Glynn County’s Emergency Management Agency Director Jay Wiggins said the tropical activity off the coast of Charleston, S.C., threatens to become the first tropical storm of the hurricane season, which is still three weeks away.
“It is amazing the season is kicking up this early,” Wiggins said.
Hurricane season is considered to be between June and November.
The storm churned its way north off the South Carolina coast Thursday, bringing with it rain and rough surf. It is expected to bring rain, winds and rough seas to North Carolina and Virginia over the next few days.
There was no rain in Glynn County Thursday, but Wiggins said the surf was rough and likely will be through the weekend.
“I do expect there will some pretty strong currents out there and probably some beach erosion,” Wiggins said.
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville warned of a moderate rip current risk through Sunday. That means swimmers should take extra care and caution when wading out into the ocean.
The threat of severe weather from the tropical system, which will be named Ana if it strengthens into a tropical depression, passed Glynn County, but it is clear storm season is here.
“I do think this is an anomaly, but people need to start monitoring the weather regularly,” Wiggins said.
This is not the first time in recent memory tropical weather activity has brewed this early in the season. In 2011, three tropical storms brushed the Golden Isles in May and June. That included Tropical Storm Beryl, which knocked down trees and caused minor flooding.
Wiggins perennially preaches the virtues of being prepared for natural disasters like hurricanes by getting essential supplies together that will help individuals and families survive should a hurricane hit.
Coastal Georgia has been lucky. For decades it has been missed by major hurricanes tracking north in the Atlantic.
That does not mean people should drop their guard. Wiggins said it only takes one to change lives and cause serious damage to the area.
Whether an early storm means anything remains to be seen. Weather experts are predicting a slow hurricane season with just seven named storms. Three would be classified as hurricanes, with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, and one a major hurricane.
©2015 The Brunswick News (Brunswick, Ga.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
