RALEIGH, N.C. _ A tropical storm warning was issued for North Carolina's coast on Monday from Surf City to Duck, according to the National Hurricane Center. The Albemarle and Pamlico sounds are included in the warning.
A tropical depression is moving up the coast and is expected to affect North Carolina's shores late Monday and Tuesday. A warning means that tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds of at least 39 mph, are expected within 36 hours.
A flash flood warning was issued for areas in North Carolina east of Interstate 95 Monday afternoon.
A tropical storm watch is in effect from south of Surf City to the Santee River in South Carolina.
Tornadoes also could form Monday and through the night in the Wilmington and Charleston, S.C., areas, according to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center.
The tropical depression is expected to move along the North and South Carolina coasts through Monday afternoon and evening and Tuesday morning. About 6 inches or more of rain are expected in the Wilmington area.
If the system becomes a tropical storm, it would be called Irma.
Bands of heavy rain and wind could move into Central North Carolina as the storm passes, the National Weather Service said.
The storm is likely to have its greatest effect on North Carolina's shores late Monday or early Tuesday, including rough surf and some coastal flooding. The storm probably will graze Virginia's coast Tuesday evening before turning out to sea, the weather service said.
North Carolina Emergency Management said there were elevated chances for flooding with 2-3 inches of rain inland and 3-6 inches along the coast, along with damaging winds 35-65 mph and dangerous surf. There was a red flag warning up and down the coast on Monday, warning people to stay out of the water. Localized flooding of roads and low-lying areas mostly in areas adjacent to bodies of water is possible.
