LOW PRESSURE TO DEVELOP OFF THE COAST THIS WEEKEND?

We are currently watching a low pressure system that is forecast to develop later this week. If you have plans this weekend you will want to keep a close eye on this system!

Models are in disagreement as to what the track, impacts, and strength of this system will be. The overall idea is a low pressure system will develop off the coast and begin to drift north or northwest as it organizes. This system could gain tropical or subtropical characteristics but the main areas we are watching will be the potential for heavy rains and strong winds.

If this system follows the path shown by the GFS and CMC models it has potential to bring a widespread 2-4” of rain across a large portion of NC/SC. The GFS has this system moving into the area Friday morning and lasting into Saturday afternoon.

The Euro run earlier today keeps this system further offshore but has been shifting a bit stronger and closer to the coast with the system. If the Euro ends up being right the bulk of the rain would be offshore.

The other impact we are watching for is the wind from this system. Models are indicating a sharp pressure gradient between a high pressure to the north and this low pressure system.

This would produce stronger winds along the coast from the E/ENE direction for a prolonged period which could cause flooding and surge issues along the coast. The image below shows the large area of strong winds being forecast by the GFS model Friday evening.

We will be keeping a close eye on this one and if you have weekend plans Friday/Saturday you will want to also! If you live along the coast keep an eye on this one since the large expanse of winds may cause some surge/coastal flooding issues.