Tropical Storm Watch issued for SC coast ahead of Milton

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A tropical storm watch was issued for portions of the South Carolina coast on Monday ahead of potential impacts from Hurricane Milton.

Milton, currently a category 5 hurricane, is on a path toward Florida’s west coast and could make landfall in Tampa early Thursday morning as a major hurricane before crossing the state and reemerging over the Atlantic Ocean.

The storm will not directly hit South Carolina based on the latest track; however, the state will likely see coastal flooding, gusty winds, and high surf.

A tropical storm watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within the area within the next 48 hours. Forecasters with the National Weather Service said winds of 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph are expected.

The watch is active for Berkeley County, Charleston County, and coastal Colleton County. A storm surge watch is active for coastal Colleton County.

Primary impacts begin Wednesday to Thursday night.