Myrtle Beach storm warning as tropical cyclone 8 forming and heading for North and South Carolina coasts

A tropical cyclone has formed off the southeast coast of the U.S prompting a tropical storm warning to be issued for the North and South Carolina coast. The storm formed early Sunday and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Helene early this week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the system formerly known as Invest 95L is being reclassified as a potential tropical storm in order for the tropical storm warnings to be issued for the southeast coast of the country.

Currently the storm is located about 100 miles from the South Carolina city of Charleston. As of right now the tropical storm warning is in effect for Edisto Beach, South Carolina, northward to Ocracoke, North Carolina. The storm is expected to bring high winds, heavy rain with the potential for flash flooding , coastal flooding and dangerous beach conditions for large portions of the southeast and mid-Atlantic coasts.

Forecast models are showing potential rainfall totaling 2-5 inches with higher amounts possible, mainly east of Interstate 95. The communities expected to be the most affected by the storm include Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as well as Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina.

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NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has emphasized the regions of northeastern South Carolina, eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia having a high potential for flooding on Monday.

1-3 inches of rain is expected for inland cities in the region such a Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina and even as far a Richmond, Virginia. The storm also brings with it the increased risk of rip-currents and coastal erosion. The coastline around North Carolina's Outer Banks and southeastern Virginia are particularly susceptible to rough seas and rip-tides as evidenced by swells created by Hurricane Ernesto that was over 1,000 miles away.

Waves triggered by Ernesto caused flooding along North Carolina's Highway 12 which serves as the main thoroughfare through the islands. At least one home collapsed into the ocean as a result of the waves. The collapse caused authorities to restrict beach access in parts of Cape Hatteras National Seashore due to concerns about debris in the water.

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Authorities do not believe that this storm will result in the same storm surge the area experienced during Ernesto back in August, but the National Weather Service office in Morehead City has issued advisories for beachgoers and boaters warning them of the potential rough conditions.