CHARLOTTE — Tropical Storm Colin formed in the early hours of Saturday morning off the South Carolina coast and is threatening to bring heavy rain to beachgoers.
[ READ MORE: Channel 9's Tracking the Tropics ]
People spending their holiday weekend on the Carolina coast should prepare for wind and rain as the storm is expected to move northeast through North Carolina before gliding off the coast by Monday morning.
Colin -- the third-named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season -- formed around 5 a.m. Saturday with reported top winds of 40 mph and moving about 8 mph.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for counties from Myrtle Beach to the Outer Banks.
The storm is not expected to strengthen as it moves across the Carolinas, but the hurricane center is warning of heavy rain including as much as four inches in some areas.
Governor Roy Cooper is urging coastal residents to stay aware of the weather.
“This storm that formed quickly and rather unexpectedly is a reminder that we all need to be prepared and vigilant during hurricane season,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “If you are enjoying the holiday weekend at the coast, keep a close eye on the weather and be sure to follow directions from local officials and lifeguards.”
Locally, the storm won’t have the same impact. Channel 9′s Ashley Kramlich said a few scattered storms could form, but it will remain mostly dry.
Afternoon storms should clear out in most areas in time for evening firework displays.
(WATCH BELOW: Tracking the tropics: Hurricane Center identifies potential tropical storm)
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