Charleston Braces for Tropical Storm Francine’s Fallout
Charleston residents are keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Francine, which is on the verge of strengthening into a hurricane by midweek. Although it’s not expected to directly hit our lovely Lowcountry, the storm is still on track to bring some rain and cooler temperatures our way, just in time for the weekend.
What to Expect
The National Weather Service’s Charleston Office has indicated that a warm front connected to Francine will start settling into Southeast South Carolina as early as Thursday. This means we should be ready for a rainy weekend ahead. Meteorologist Neil Dixon has shared that the wettest period is likely to kick off on Friday and continue through Sunday.
While we can expect a soaking, Dixon notes that rainfall amounts won’t be excessive. Most of us in the Charleston area should prepare for moderate rain, while Hilton Head Island is expected to receive the brunt of it, possibly racking up as much as 2 inches of rain!
Other Storms Brewing
As we keep a close watch on Francine, it’s worth noting that there are two other systems working their way through the Eastern and Central Tropical Atlantic. According to reports, these systems haven’t yet developed into storms, which makes it a bit challenging to predict their potential impact on our area.
One of these systems is an area of low pressure located over the central tropical Atlantic. It’s currently being watched closely, as conditions appear to be marginally conducive for it to develop further over the next few days. On Monday, this system held a 60% chance of forming into a tropical depression while it moves westward-northwestward at a speed of about 10 mph.
The second system is a trough of low pressure positioned several hundred miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. This disturbance is likely to interact with an approaching tropical wave, leading to the possibility of a tropical depression forming later this week, also moving at about 10 to 15 mph. Like the first system, it too carries a 60% chance of formation within the next seven days.
Current Status of Tropical Storm Francine
As of Monday at noon, Tropical Storm Francine was reported to have sustained winds of 50 mph while making its way north-northwest at 5 mph. Although this storm is ushering in a rainy weekend for Charleston, we can take comfort in knowing it isn’t projected to make a direct landfall here.
Getting Prepared
With the soggy weather on the horizon, it’s a good idea for Charleston residents to prepare for the impacts of the storm. Stock up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, and water in case we face any unexpected weather conditions. Better to be safe than sorry! Plus, why not cozy up with some hot cocoa while enjoying the rain from indoors?
So, as we patiently monitor Tropical Storm Francine, let’s stay safe and embrace the wet weekend ahead. In the meantime, we’ll keep our fingers crossed that those other systems in the Atlantic don’t pose any threats. Here’s to hoping for a quick pass of rain and a bright return of sunshine soon!
