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Forecast for the Carolinas

The remnants of Tropical Storm Bonnie caused some flooding and power outages in South Carolina and parts of Western North Carolina on Thursday. But a deep low-pressure trough pushed most of the storm toward the coast.

The storm was supposed to send 2 to 4 inches of rain to the region Thursday night. Instead, rain bands associated with the storm dumped more than an inch across the region during the day. Standing water on Interstate 277 was blamed for one of the more than 50 wrecks recorded Thursday afternoon around Charlotte. None was serious, officials said.

Suspected tornadoes damaged several homes in central North Carolina, the Associated Press reported. Three people were reported slightly injured in Harnett County.

S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford told residents in low-lying southeastern counties to prepare for a possible evacuation today before Hurricane Charley strikes, the AP reported.

Wachovia Corp. closed branches Thursday in Key West and along the Gulf Coast . Wachovia and Bank of America Corp. expected to close branches in the Tampa area today.

After cutting through Florida, Charley is expected to run up the coast and hit Eastern North Carolina on Saturday. Charlotte likely will get some rain from Charley but not much unless its projected path shifts west, forecasters said. -- STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS