Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Coastal South Carolina is preparing for impacts from Tropical Depression Nine, potentially named Imelda, with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding expected. Forecasts predict the system could strengthen to a hurricane, posing risks particularly along the coast. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather reports and take necessary precautions as significant storm surge and localized flooding are anticipated. The interactions with Hurricane Humberto may complicate the storm’s path, making safety preparations essential for those in the affected areas.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Coastal South Carolina is bracing for the impact of strong winds, rip currents, and potential flooding starting Monday due to an unnamed tropical system currently identified as Tropical Depression Nine. This system is forecasted to be named Imelda if it reaches tropical storm status, which is expected to occur Saturday night.
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Imelda may briefly strengthen to a hurricane early next week while located off the Florida coast. However, forecasting remains complicated due to Hurricane Humberto, a Category 4 storm located in the central Atlantic, which may interact with Imelda via a phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara effect. If Humberto retains its strength and proximity, it could influence Imelda’s track, possibly pulling it away from the coast and reducing its impact on the South Carolina shoreline.
The Hilton Head Island area could experience strong winds ranging from tropical-force to low-end hurricane-force on Monday or Monday night. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated, with projections indicating 4 to 6 inches could fall in the Beaufort area as the weekend progresses and leading into the week. There is a moderate threat of flooding rains particularly along and east of Interstate 95, where localized rainfall amounts may reach up to 10 inches if the system stalls.
Coastal South Carolina should prepare for significant storm surge, with minor impacts expected in neighboring Georgia. The establishment of a tropical storm watch or hurricane watch for Lowcountry residents is likely to be announced by Saturday afternoon or evening.
Forecasters have identified two potential scenarios for the storm’s path: one moving north-northwest toward the Carolinas and another being affected eastward by Hurricane Humberto. Areas including the Grand Strand region of South Carolina and coastal North Carolina are expected to see the highest threats of impact from this system. Conversely, if Imelda remains offshore, locations such as Hilton Head and Tybee Islands may face rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and elevated tides, while experiencing little to no rainfall.
In the immediate term, scattered thunderstorms and possibly severe weather are also anticipated. Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry are in urgent need of rain, which could be facilitated by the impending storm. Currently, lifeguards on Hilton Head are displaying red warning flags due to hazardous water conditions stemming from Hurricane Erin, active in the Atlantic Ocean. Beachgoers are advised to remain in ankle-deep water as dangerous rip current risks persist.
A coastal flood advisory is already in effect as tides are expected to rise significantly, with a potential for moderate coastal flooding.
Key Forecast Information
- System Status: Tropical Depression Nine, could be named Imelda
- Expected Strength: May strengthen to tropical storm by Saturday night, possible brief hurricane status early next week
- Heavy Rainfall: Predicted 4 to 6 inches in Beaufort area, localized rainfall up to 10 inches possible
- Strong Winds: Tropical-force to low-end hurricane-force winds anticipated
- Flooding Threat: Moderate threat of flooding, particularly along and east of Interstate 95
- Storm Surge: Significant risks for coastal South Carolina, minor impacts expected in Georgia
Background on Tropical Systems
Tropical storms and hurricanes are common in coastal regions, especially during hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to November 30. The interplay between different storm systems can complicate predictions, as seen with Tropical Depression Nine and Hurricane Humberto.
Safety Recommendations
Residents and beachgoers in affected areas should stay updated on weather forecasts and heed warnings from local officials regarding tropical storm preparations and beach safety measures.
FAQs
What is the current status of Tropical Depression Nine?
The system is currently referred to as Tropical Depression Nine and will be named Imelda if it becomes a tropical storm.
What can residents expect starting Monday?
Coastal South Carolina is expecting strong winds, rip currents, and possible flooding starting Monday due to Tropical Depression Nine.
How much rain is expected in the Beaufort area?
Heavy rainfall is expected, with predictions of 4 to 6 inches in the Beaufort area this weekend and into the coming week.
Is there a risk of flooding?
There is a moderate threat of flooding rains, particularly along and east of Interstate 95; localized rainfall could reach up to 10 inches if the system stalls.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tropical Storm Debby Causes Severe Flooding in Charleston
Tropical Storm Humberto and AL94 Raise Concerns for South Carolina
Beaufort County Faces 911 Service Disruption
Beaufort County Launches AI-Powered Traffic Camera System
Beaufort County Braces for Historic Rainfall as Tropical Storm Debby Approaches
Beaufort County Enhances Hurricane Preparedness with AI Traffic Cameras
Coastal Flood Advisories Issued as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season Results in Beaufort County
Post-Tropical Cyclone Erin Causes Dangerous Surf Conditions
High Risk of Rip Currents as Hurricane Erin Approaches Charleston
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Wikipedia: Tropical cyclone
- WJCL: Hurricane Center Updates
- Google Search: Tropical Depression Nine
- Island Packet: Hurricane Updates
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
