Potential Tropical Cyclone Four Could Affect South Carolina and Greenville

Greenville – A developing tropical storm currently passing over Cuba may 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.

Current Status of the Storm

At 11 a.m. Friday, the National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory for “potential tropical cyclone four.” In the update, the tropical depression was shown over Cuba, with the estimated path of the storm moving into the Gulf of Mexico before swinging back over Florida and into the Atlantic.

The cone of uncertainty, which shows the storm’s probable path, includes much of SC. However, many variables remain, including the strength of the still-developing storm and its exact eventual path. If the system strengthens into a tropical storm as currently predicted, its name would be Debby, the fourth named storm of the season.

Tropical Storm Development

As of late Friday morning, the depression was about 420 miles southeast of Key West.

“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 passes 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 north-northeast up toward Florida’s panhandle and back over land will determine the severity of associated weather.

The latest updates show the system passing over northern Florida late Sunday and reentering the Atlantic on Monday morning. Predictions then show the storm hugging the coast as it moves up the Eastern Seaboard toward the Carolinas. Again, many variables can impact where the system will move.

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

Track the Storm

Conditions around noon on August 2 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

Being Prepared

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Even if this system won’t pose a significant threat to the S.C. coast, it’s never too early to be prepared. Take necessary precautions and stay informed.