Thunderstorms, some flooding expected this weekend in Myrtle Beach area

Widespread thunderstorms, rain and wind gusts are expected through the weekend in the Myrtle Beach area as a low pressure system “meanders” off the coast and has forecasters on alert for any tropical development, said Reid Hawkins, science and operations officer for the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C.

“There will be heavy bands of rain. ... Our biggest threat looks like it’s going to be widespread rainfall and gusty winds ... possibly into early next week,” according to Hawkins.

At about 8:30 p.m. Thursday the National Weather Service warned of high rip current risk and flooding potential. Weather service officials said high rip current risk on Friday would last from about 7 a.m. through evening. A flood watch also was issued from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.

The National Hurricane Center said earlier in the day that there is a 70 percent chance the storm could develop into a subtropical cyclone .

“The sea water temperatures are borderline for any tropical development,” Hawkins said.

The chance increases for isolated tornadoes on Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday, Hawkins said. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph.

“That all depends on if it intensifies,” Hawkins said.

Officials are monitoring for any flooding impacts along the coast and inland along the Waccamaw River, they said.

In graphics released Thursday afternoon, up 10 inches of rain is expected during the next 72 hours off the coast, but along the immediate coast, Hawkins said between three to four inches of rain is expected.

The amount of rainfall depends on where the “meandering really slow” storm goes, Hawkins said.

“If it shifts farther to the west that heavier rain will come in and if it’s farther to the east it will be a little drier,” he said. “I would expect an increase in the rain and wind on Friday and into Saturday.”

Either way the storm goes, Hawkins said seas will be rough and breakers could be six feet or higher.

“Conditions will be particularly hazardous with steep waves east and southeast facing inlet entrances, especially during the falling tide cycle,” Hawkins said.

Forecasters will continue to monitor the system’s movements and update emergency managers on Friday.

A rip current advisory was in effect Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., issued by the National Weather Service. Due to the advisory, Horry County shut down beaches to swimmers, issuing a double red flag.

A release from Horry County Police Department’s public information officer Raul Denis said the beaches were closed to swimmers until further notice. Anyone failing to obey directons of beach personnel may be subject to arrest and a fine of $225, according to the release.

This story was originally published May 7, 2015 at 1:46 PM with the headline "Thunderstorms, some flooding expected this weekend in Myrtle Beach area."