Tropical Storm Danny forms off SC coast, to move into state in next few hours

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tropical Storm Danny has formed off the South Carolina coast, as the storm is expected to bring isolated heavy rainfall to the region over the next several hours. 

Doppler radar from Charleston indicated the storm had gained enough strength to be classified as a storm, an upgrade from just hours ago, when it become a tropical depression. Danny is the fourth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

Danny is located about 45 miles east-southeast of Charleston. The storm had sustained winds at 40 mph, which is the minimum intensity for a tropical storm. It was moving west-northwest at 16 mph.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of the South Carolina coast. The warnings are in effect for Edisto Beach to the South Santee River.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 12 hours.

The tropical storm force winds will make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

Danny could produce 1 to 3″ of rain with locally higher amounts along the immediate coasts of Georgia and southern South Carolina.

Swells produced by the storm are forecast to affect parts of the palmetto state. The swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

The tropical system will help increase the moisture across the state, including the Midlands, especially the southern and eastern Midlands.

Showers and storms will be possible during the heat of the day. Severe weather is not expected, but heavy, tropical downpours will be possible.

Temperatures this afternoon will be in the upper 80s and lower 90s. With the added moisture, heat index values will make it feel even hotter at times.

As the tropical system continues to move west, the chances for rain will decrease tonight. A few showers will be possible overnight though. Lows will be in the lower 70s Tuesday morning.

Typical summer-like weather is expected Wednesday and Thursday. Highs will be in the lower 90s. There will be a chance for a few showers and storms both days.

A front will approach the area by the end of the workweek. The rain chances will increase Friday and Saturday. Showers and storms will be likely Saturday, but some slightly drier air may move into the Midlands for the July the 4th holiday.

Elsewhere in the Tropics:

An area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is producing a small cluster of showers and thunderstorms over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean. 

Some slow development is possible through the end of the week while this system moves quickly westward to west-northwestward at about 20 mph, likely reaching the Lesser Antilles Wednesday night.