Tropical Depression 3 forms off NC coast

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We are well into the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season and things are heating up.

Tropical Depression Three formed a few hundred miles east-southeast of the North Carolina coast Friday afternoon.

The depression is slowly moving toward the north-northwest. The depression is forecast to meander of well offshore of the coast of North Carolina through Monday.

The depression could become a tropical storm Saturday. A reconnaissance plane is scheduled to investigate the cyclone Saturday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, those along the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts should monitor the progress of this system during the next several days.

The next named storm would be Chris.

IMPACTS: We could see rough surf and the potential for strong rip currents through the weekend into next week. Boaters will need to watch out for steep waves at inlet entrances. Otherwise, no direct impacts from the tropical disturbance are anticipated through Mon.

Hurricane Beryl formed early Friday morning in the deep Atlantic. This is the first hurricane for the season.

Click here for more in the WWAY Hurricane Center.