Gaston Advisories

[BUD]

I think it might be up to around 80-90mph 5am sunday!!!AND it is in that warm water!! BUD

[WXBUFFJIM]

With the timing of this over warm waters for about 18 hours or possibly 20, and the favorable upper winds could lead to a strong cat 1, borderlined cat 2 at landfall. I suspect 80-90 mph winds are possible near the coast in the vicnity of Charleston later Sunday with higher gusts. This could mean storm surge could be higher than 5 feet in a few spots to the right of the center of circulation. I also suspect a tornado watch will be needed later tonight and into Sunday morning. Landfalling tropical systems can drop isolated tornadoes along and to the northeast of the center of circulation. Rainfall totals of 4-8" with locally higher amounts up to a foot remains possible. Given the fact we had to deal with Alex, Bonnie, Charley, and now Gaston in less than a month, that's not a good thing. While the long term shows some deficits, the short term is quite wet and Gaston looks to just aggreviate that situation I'm afraid.

Jim

[Brent]

Defintely getting better organized... looks like it will be a hurricane later tonight or early tomorrow.

[BUD]

OR will we have to wait???????

[seahawkjd]

There will be an 8pm advisory. No discussion or anything else though.

[charleston_hugo_veteran]

[Lowpressure]

At least in Northern Virginia we have had a week to dry out from the tropical rains we had earlier in the month.

[Thunder44]

Yes, it should be out shortly. Check out the http://www.weatherunderground.com/tropical . It will probably be there before on the TPC site.

[NOAA-NHC Saubers1]

Yes, Tropical storm Gaston is expected to fluctuate between hurricane or high tropical storm force winds before making landfall due to its slow intensification, and slow movement off the south carolina coast, Areas around the Little River Inlet, in SC should receive the worst winds/rainfall in the northeast quadrant of Gaston, this includes the Myrtle Beach, Sunset beach, and Ocean Isle beach areas.Based on current models it should make landfall south of the afforementioned areas.

The main threat expected from gaston to these areas will be the great rainfall caused by slow movement of the storm.

[TLHR]

I just came from Sullivan's Island at high tide. There was NO beach.
The waves were splashing up to the dunes, and I could see some dune erosion occurring.
I suspect the next two high tides will be worse.

And after all this, we could face Frances!

[Brent]

Not out yet, but will be at any moment. I'll post it as soon as it does.

[Hyperstorm]

8pm advisory should be out shortly...

TS Gaston will likely be bumped up to 60mph at the very least. Hurricane warnings are STRONGLY recommended at this time, since it is almost a given this WILL be a hurricane when it reaches the coast.

[MGC]

And don't forget how quickly Alex got it together in the same area overnight......MGC

[seahawkjd]

They won't do warning though till 11pm, though I guess they could break the policy since its kind of imminent.

[Brent]

That's IF it makes landfall with 70 mph winds. If it's stronger, the gusts will be higher.

[charleston_hugo_veteran]

[Brent]

Just announced!!!

[simplykristi]

I just heard on TWC that Gaston has winds up to 65 MPH now.

Kristi

[NOAA-NHC Saubers1]

They may issue hurricane warnings within the next few hours.

[TLHR]

Hurricane WARNING just posted for all of SC coast.