MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – We now have a HIGH chance of development in the Gulf over the next week.
Area of Development
A surface trough of low pressure has developed along the coast of Mexico in the southwestern Gulf. Although environmental conditions appear to be marginally conducive, gradual development is becoming more likely, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the middle or latter portion of the week. This system is expected to drift eastward over the next few days, before it turns northward.
Chance of Development
As of now, there is no direct threat to the Carolinas, but we will see a rise in tropical moisture as we head into the weekend. We will continue to monitor the tropics and give you the First Alert to every update through the WMBF First Alert Weather app.
2026 Tropical Storm Names
If this system develops, it will become the 9th named storm in the Atlantic/Gulf this season. Only 3 of these storms made landfall this year, all in the northwestern Gulf: Arthur, Bertha, and Edouard.
The next name on the list is a familiar name to the Carolinas – Isaias. Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Southport, NC in 2020 as a Category 1 hurricane, brining heavy rain and winds to the Grand Strand…