The National Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. advisory says Hermine is expected to ramp up to 75 miles per hour winds just as it makes landfall late tonight or early tomorrow morning. We are monitoring it closely as its impacts are already being felt, but its proximity to land limits the storm’s ability to strengthen significantly.
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Tropical storm Hermine is gaining strength Thursday and is now projected to reach hurricane status.
As of 5 a.m. Thursday, Hermine was in the Gulf of Mexico about 275 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Fla. and moving north-northeast at 12 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Parts of Georgia and the Carolinas could see up to 7 inches of rainfall as the storm moved north. CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers warns that “these types of rain totals, especially when they fall in just a few hours, could lead to flooding similar to what we saw in Louisiana just a few weeks ago”. Typically flood-prone areas, low lying areas, retention ponds, and small creeks and streams would be most likely areas of flooding. But the U.S. National Hurricane Center says strengthening is forecast and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later in the day.
The National Weather Service in Mobile said winds of up to 25 to 30 miles per hour in gusts will be possible tonight near the coastal areas of Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle. Power outages are expected.
Residents in the Lowcountry should expect rain starting on and off Thursday night through Friday, with the main effects of the Tropical Storm seen on Friday. From there to Aripeka 2 to 4 feet of surge could be possible. This could be enough for minor areas of coastal flooding especially in flood prone areas like Pawleys Island, Garden City, and Cherry Grove. A new moon will result in astronomical high tides on Friday and could result in slightly higher water levels.
Rough surf and possible rip currents remain a concern for the next several days.
With the track now more inland, the risk of tornado is much higher. If the track we’re to shift more off-shore, the tornado threat would be much lower.
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The Weather Channel’s Kevin Roth advised people in the path of Tropical Storm Hermine to prepare to leave if necessary.
