Tropical Storm Danny strengthens off Lowcountry coast; landfall expected this evening

Just after 3 p.m. on Monday, a weather system off the South Carolina coast became Tropical Storm Danny.According to the National Hurricane Center, the system was approximately 60 miles east-southeast from Beaufort. It was moving west-northwest with 16 mph sustained winds and maximum sustained winds of 40.For most of the afternoon, parts of South Carolina's coast were under tropical storm warning. This includes the entire South Santee River to Edisto Beach. Within the next 12 hours, tropical storm conditions can be expected in areas within the warning zone.Folly Beach weather station reported wind gusts of 41 mph.The center of the storm is expected to make landfall in the area of South Carolina Monday night, according to the forecast track.Around 2:15 p.m. Ron Morales, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Charleston said that the storm's outer bands brought rain and wind gusts to Beaufort County.He stated that the system was moving quickly but wasn't expected to have an impact on the south coast as much as it did the Charleston area. There will still be wind and signs of flooding.Although it is difficult to imagine widespread flooding at this stage, there will be some ponding water in areas that are repeatedly hit by the showers over the past couple of weeks, Morales stated.According to the Hurricane Center bulletin, some slight strengthening was expected. The depression was predicted to become a tropical hurricane before it makes landfall. After the system made landfall, rapid weakening was predicted.Through Tuesday, several inches of rain were forecast along the coasts in southern South Carolina and Georgia. The bulletin stated that although the chances of widespread flooding are less likely in this region due to the dry conditions, local flooding is possible.According to the National Weather Service Charleston briefing, the main dangers of the storm include:Continue the storyHeavy rainRip currents at higher riskThe late evening high tide causes minor coastal floodingGusty winds, particularly in showersIsolated tornadoes are at low riskAt 5 p.m., the Hurricane Center will provide an update.This story will be updated throughout the afternoon.