SC officials warn of water dangers from Irene

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — With a tropical storm watch posted for most of the South Carolina coast, emergency officials are warning boaters to stay off the water and swimmers to stay out of the water.

A tropical storm watch means conditions with winds between 39 and 73 mph are expected within 48 hours. Hurricane Irene is expected to cross the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Saturday as a Category 2 hurricane.

The Coast Guard warns Irene could bring gale force winds to the South Carolina coast and inland waters will be choppy. The agency says boaters should make sure their small boats are moored properly.

Charleston County emergency management officials say the biggest impact along the coast will be rip currents, high seas and possibly beach erosion Friday and Saturday.