Potential Tropical Cyclone Four could affect South Carolina

Will potential tropical cyclone affect South Carolina, Greenville? Here’s what to know.

Greenville, SC – A developing tropical storm currently passing over Cuba might impact parts of South Carolina and North Carolina by the middle of next week. The storm could bring heavy precipitation, rough surf, and other impacts to these regions.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, the National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory for “potential tropical cyclone four.” The tropical depression was situated over Cuba, with projections showing its long-term path moving into the Gulf of Mexico before swinging back over Florida and into the Atlantic. The cone of uncertainty, indicating the storm’s probable path, includes much of South Carolina.

Current Status

If the system strengthens into a tropical storm as currently predicted, it will be named Debby. This would be the fourth named storm of the season. The depression was about 420 miles southeast of Key West late Friday morning.

“A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the southwest coast of the Florida peninsula from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach,” stated the hurricane center’s advisory. “A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for the Florida Keys south of the Card Sound Bridge including the Dry Tortugas, the southern coast of the Florida peninsula east of East Cape Sable to the Card Sound bridge, and for the west coast of the Florida peninsula north of Bonita Beach to Aripeka.”

According to the hurricane center, the depression could grow into a tropical storm by late Saturday as it moves over the Florida Keys.

What can Greenville expect?

Weather for the upcoming week is highly dependent on the development of the tropical storm. How quickly the steering winds push the storm northeastward up toward Florida’s panhandle and back over land will determine the severity of associated weather.

The latest update indicates the system may pass over northern Florida late Sunday and reenter the Atlantic on Monday morning. Then, predictions show the storm hugging the coast as it moves up the Eastern Seaboard toward the Carolinas.

Currently, NOAA forecasts for the weekend show high temperatures in the 90s with showers and thunderstorms predicted overnight. No high winds are forecasted so far.

Stay Prepared

**Hurricane season** runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Even if this system doesn’t pose a threat to the South Carolina coast, it’s never too early to be prepared. Make sure you have a plan in place and supplies ready just in case.

Tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone Four

Track the storm through the South Carolina Storm Tracker and Model Mixer. As of noon on Aug. 2, the conditions were:

• Location: 90 miles east-southeast of Camaguey, Cuba; 420 miles southeast of Key West
• Maximum sustained winds: 30 mph
• Movement: west-northwest at 16 mph

Stay informed and stay safe!