RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The developing system off the southeast coast of the United states is now Tropical Depression Three.
Hurricane hunter aircraft investigating the system Friday afternoon found a closed center of circulation officially making it the third depression of the season.
This new name and designation does not change the expected forecast for central North Carolina this weekend. The depression will remain weak, disorganized and lopsided, but there will be some minor impacts late this weekend in central North Carolina.
Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter data indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected, and the system is forecast to become Tropical Storm Chantal Saturday.
The center of Tropical Depression Three is about 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, SC and about 245 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, NC.
The depression is moving toward the north near 2 mph. A slow motion toward the north-northwest is expected through Saturday, followed by a motion toward the north Saturday night and Sunday.
On the forecast track, the center of the depression is expected to move near or over the coast of South Carolina Sunday morning.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Little River Inlet, South Carolina.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
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