Tropical Storm Erika could impact Myrtle Beach area next week

Tropical Storm Erika – churning in the Atlantic Ocean south of Puerto Rico – is expected to strengthen into a hurricane next week and that has South Carolina officials monitoring movements of the storm, experts said Thursday.

Although the storm was reported as not being well organized at 11 a.m. Thursday, officials predicted it could become a hurricane by Monday.

“A lot of uncertainty exists at that time, thus it is too early to define specific timing or potential impact. The latest tropical storm wind probabilities imply that southeast N.C. and northeast S.C. may be at risk from Erika sometime next week,” said Steve Pfaff with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C. “As a result, remember not to focus on the thin black line of the track given the amount of uncertainty. Begin ramping up your situational awareness for this possible event.”

Residents living in coastal areas should check their plans and emergency preparedness supplies so they can be ready if the storm threatens the Grand Strand, officials said.

“We’re watching Tropical Storm Erika very closely. There’s still a lot of uncertainty in the forecasts,” said Kim Stenson, South Carolina Emergency Management Division director. “If it looks like this storm is going to affect South Carolina we want everyone to be ready. Now would be the time to review your emergency plans just in case.”

Officials stressed that the storm is not focused on South Carolina, but several forecast models have it taking a northwest to north track toward during the weekend when it is near the Bahamas, Pfaff said.

“A wide variety of solutions exists, thus uncertainty remains high regarding any impacts this far out in time for southeast N.C. and northeast S.C.,” Pfaff said. “Tropical Storm force wind probabilities have increased across the Southeast U.S., and all interests should begin to increase their situational awareness. Erika’s interaction with the big Caribbean Islands could have an impact by hindering the storm’s evolution.”

For more information about preparedness go to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, at scemd.org or pick up a 2015 S.C. Hurricane Guide at a welcome center or Walgreens, officials said.

This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Tropical Storm Erika could impact Myrtle Beach area next week."