Developing tropical storm to bring wind gusts of 40 mph and heavy rain to Myrtle Beach area
Tropical Cyclone 16 is expected to develop into Tropical Storm Ophelia before it reaches the North Carolina coast Friday night into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
It is expected to reach the Myrtle Beach area Friday night, bringing winds of 20 to 35 mph, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, as well as heavy rains that can cause flooding along the coastal areas, the weather service said.
Horry County can expect gusty winds that may reach tropical storm strength, according to Lauren Warner, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington. There will be potential moderate flooding rain as the rainfall moves in during the day Friday and into the evening, as well as Saturday, she said. Low-lying areas may see flooding, Warner said.
There also will be hazardous marine surf conditions.
Conditions will gradually improve on Saturday, the weather service said.
