CHARLESTON, S.C. – A low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flash flooding to the Southeast coast, including Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, through the end of the workweek. 

While the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was previously monitoring the system for potential tropical development this week, forecasters determined on Wednesday morning that there was no longer a chance that it would take on any tropical characteristics.

The area of low pressure will begin to move up the Southeast coastline starting Wednesday afternoon after dumping more than 6 inches of rain in South Florida, including Miami, between Monday and Tuesday.

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Forecasters now say that this storm system will track over land, which closes the window for any possible tropical development.

“It is becoming increasingly likely that this development will occur inland over South Carolina and North Carolina,” the NHC wrote in its Wednesday morning outlook. “As a result, the low’s chances of acquiring subtropical or tropical characteristics have diminished.”

In addition, the FOX Forecast Center noted that a large pocket of dry air on the backside of the system and strong wind shear over the potential development area also prevented it from taking on any tropical characteristics. 

While there are no longer any chances for tropical development, forecasters are asking coastal communities to remain on alert.

“You don’t need a tropical system to bring impacts, and the heavy rain will bring a flood impact,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin warned.

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Timing of storms

Rain will arrive along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts beginning Wednesday afternoon before spreading to the North Carolina coast on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.

At least 3 inches of rain is expected in the Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, metro areas through Friday, with the potential for localized rainfall totals of 5 inches.

For now, the heaviest rain appears to remain offshore.

NOAA‘s Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina on Wednesday. Within that zone, a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat covers much of the South Carolina coast, including Charleston.

FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera noted that those flash flood threats could increase as the week progresses.

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