Current Snapshot

The Pacific Disaster Center’s (PDC Global) Sunday, September 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Activity Report for the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico

CURRENT TROPICAL CYCLONES:

Tropical Cyclone 07L (Gordon)…which is located about 1070 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands

Potential-Tropical Cyclone 08L…which is located about 185 miles south-southwest of Cape Lookout, NC

Tropical Cyclone 07L (Gordon)

GORDON BARELY A TROPICAL CYCLONE

According to Advisory number 19

The depression is moving toward the west near 7 mph (11 km/h). A west
to west-southwest motion is expected during the next day or so, with
Gordon forecast to slow down considerably through the middle of the
week.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast over the next several days, though Gordon could become a post-tropical remnant low
at any time.

Potential-Tropical Cyclone 08L…which is located about 125 miles east-southeast of Charleston, SC

DISTURBANCE DRIFTING NORTHWESTWARD OFF THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA…EXPECTED TO BRING GUSTY WINDS, HEAVY RAINS, AND COASTAL FLOODING TO PORTIONS OF THE CAROLINA’S

According to the NHC Advisory number 2A

The system is moving toward the northwest near 3 mph (6 km/h), and this general motion is expected through Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of the system should reach the coast within the warning area this afternoon or this evening.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. This system is likely to become a tropical storm today, and some strengthening is possible before the system makes landfall.

* Formation chance through 48 hours…high…80 percent
* Formation chance through 7 days…high…80 percent

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km) from the center. NOAA buoy 41004, located about 45 miles (75 km) southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, recently reported a sustained wind of 38 mph (61 km/h) and gust to 47 mph (76 km/h).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin within the warning area this morning.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide…

South Santee River, SC to Oregon Inlet, NC… 1-3 ft
Neuse and Bay Rivers, NC… 1-3 ft
Pamlico and Pungo Rivers, NC… 1-3 ft

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

RAINFALL: Through Wednesday, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will bring 3 to 6 inches of rainfall with isolated totals near 8 inches across northern and northeast portions of South Carolina along with the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Across the rest of North Carolina and much of Virginia, the Potential Tropical Cyclone will bring 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals near 6 inches. This rainfall could lead to isolated to scattered flash and urban flooding and minor river flooding.

TORNADOES: A couple of tornadoes may occur today across the eastern Carolina’s.

SURF: Swells are forecast to affect portions of the coast of the southeastern United States during the next couple of days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.