More Info on Tropical Systems

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie still appear headed toward South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Bonnie should make landfall in Florida early this afternoon. Bonnie is expected to reach South Carolina by tonight. There could be some locally heavy rainfall with amounts in the range of 1 to 3 inches. There is also a chance for isolated tornadoes across the state this evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for 30 South Carolina counties in the Midlands and Upstate.


At 8 am, Bonnie was located 80 miles southwest of Apalachicola, Florida. Bonnie is moving northeast at 22 miles an hour. Highest winds are 55 miles an hour.

Hurricane Charley is expected to move along eastern South Carolina on Saturday morning.

At 8 am, Charley was 40 miles east of Grand Cayman. The storm is moving northwest at 16 miles an hour. Highest winds are 85 miles an hour.

The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center is for the storm to come ashore near Tampa, FL. It is then expected to move north-northeast to near Jacksonville and be along the coast. It could still be a potent tropical storm as it nears the coast of Georgia. In that case, strong winds would be likely for the coastal areas of South Carolina. Heavy rains will also occur along the coast. This would be most likely Friday night and Saturday morning.

However, there is some uncertainty to the future path of this hurricane. Many of the computer models are suggesting a track west of the one forecast by the National Hurricane Center. If that happens, it could bring very heavy rains to central South Carolina.

Rainfall amounts near and to the east of the path of this hurricane could be 2 to 5 inches in South Carolina. This combined with rains from Bonnie could greatly increase the flood threat.

Stay with News 19 on-air and on-line throughout the day for the latest on the developing weather situation.