Tropical Storm Watch Issued for South Carolina as Depression Three Forms

SOUTH CAROLINA — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for parts of the South Carolina coast as Tropical Depression Three forms in the Atlantic. The advisory, released at 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 4, alerts residents to potentially hazardous weather expected to begin Saturday and continue into Sunday morning.

According to the NHC, the watch covers areas from Edisto Beach to the North Carolina border, where tropical storm conditions are increasingly likely.

What to Expect: Rain, Wind, and Flooding

The depression is forecast to bring tropical storm conditions to the watch area beginning Saturday and lasting through early Sunday. In addition to gusty winds, residents should brace for heavy rainfall:

• Flash flooding is anticipated from Saturday through Monday.

• The flooding risk will be especially high in urbanized coastal areas along the Carolinas’ coastal plain.

• Rip currents and rough surf are expected along the Carolina coast, posing threats to beachgoers and small craft.

“Isolated to scattered flash flooding could occur within more urbanized areas,” the NHC stated, highlighting vulnerable low-lying and coastal communities.

Projected Path and Forecast Track

As shown in the NHC’s storm map, Tropical Depression Three is currently tracking northward from off the southeastern U.S. coast. The forecast track shows potential impacts to both Carolinas throughout the weekend.

The depression could intensify depending on atmospheric conditions, although no hurricane-level intensification is expected at this time. The system’s current movement is north at 22 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

For live updates and the official track, the public is urged to monitor hurricanes.gov.

State and Local Officials Monitoring Conditions

Emergency managers in coastal counties — including Charleston, Georgetown, and Horry Counties — are preparing response plans in anticipation of possible road closures, power outages, and evacuation advisories.

Local officials are especially concerned about Fourth of July weekend travel and beach traffic, which may be disrupted due to hazardous marine conditions.

Safety Tips Ahead of the Storm

Authorities recommend residents and visitors take the following precautions:

• Avoid beach swimming starting Saturday due to dangerous surf and rip currents.

• Prepare emergency kits with essentials in case of power outages or flooding.

• Do not drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown.

Have you made preparations for the tropical storm? Do you live in an affected area or plan to travel along the South Carolina coast this weekend?
Share your storm prep tips or local updates with us at saludastandard-sentinel.com — your voice matters.