The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor a coastal disturbance off the South Carolina Coast Monday. It is known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, or PTC 8. Although the coastal low is producing tropical storm force wind up to 50 mph, it remains disorganized and lacks a well defined center of circulation. The Hurricane Hunters also found a temperature difference from north to south within the system at 850mb. This basically means there is still a weak frontal boundary associated with this low pressure system. A true tropical disturbance would have uniform warm core. There is still a small window for this low to become tropical before moving inland later this afternoon, or early evening. If that does happen it would become Tropical Storm Helene. The disturbance is producing tropical storm force winds up to 50 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Edisto Beach, S.C. to Ocracoke Island, N.C. in the Outer Banks. Tropical storm force winds extend up to 175 miles from center. It is moving slowly to the northwest at 3 mph. Once the storm moves inland near the North and South Carolina border, it will rapidly weaken as it moves northward into the Carolinas, before dissipating over the Western Carolinas Wednesday. Along with tropical storm force winds, coastal communities in North and South Carolina could receive 4-8 inches of rain with localized rainfall up to 10 inches possible. Storm surge of 1-3 feet is also possible, especially for areas near and east of where the center of PTC 8 moves inland, as well as dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents along the Carolina Coast. The tornado threat is low, but not zero for the Eastern Carolinas through Monday evening. LOCAL IMPACTS Locally, PTC 8, will bring heavy rain, localized flooding and gusty wind to the region with peak impacts Monday afternoon through early Tuesday. A flood watch is in effect for Anson, Stanly and Richmond counties until 8 a.m. Tuesday. More counties may be added to the watch once the disturbance moves inland. A Wind Advisory is in effect for all counties south and east of I-85 beginning 2 p.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday. Gusts 35-4o+ mph could bring down trees and cause power outages. The tornado threat is low, but not completely zero locally as the center of disturbance will pass over the region Tuesday. Generally, quick spin ups are seen 100 miles to the right of center of these types of disturbances so we will need to monitor closely the track of the system Tuesday. Conditions will improve as the disturbance weakens and dissipates Wednesday. Timing: Monday Afternoon – Tuesday Morning Rainfall: 2-4″ likely, up to 6″ localized Wind: Gusts up to 35-40+ mph Tornadoes: Low threat, but not completely zero Stay WeatherWise with the latest information on this disturbance by downloading the WCCB Weather App.