Blustery winds and rain to affect Carolinas

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Blustery winds nearing tropical storm strength and as much as 4 inches of rain are expected along the Carolinas coast as a storm system that drenched parts of Florida moves north.

Forecaster Jonathan Lamb at the National Weather Service office in Charleston doesn’t think the rain will be a major problem because it’s been so dry along the coast. But Lamb says the offshore winds, combined with higher than normal astronomical tides, could cause problems around high tide early Monday evening.

He says there’s a chance a tornado watch issued for parts of coastal Georgia could be extended north as the system approaches.

Lamb says conditions should quickly improve Tuesday.

Officials warn of high surf and rip current dangers in southeastern North Carolina.