Carolinas prep for rain as downgraded depression Gordon lingers offshore

Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Gordon, which became a named storm Friday, was downgraded to a tropical depression Sunday in the Atlantic with no land threatened as Potential Tropical Storm 8 developed off the Carolinas.

The potential tropical storm is projected to make landfall Monday, possibly as a tropical cyclone as it is expected to strengthen, the National Hurricane Center said.

In its 11 a.m. advisory on Monday, the center said there was little change in the storm's conditions.

Though there is a threat of heavy rain and coastal flooding in the Carolinas, forecasters said there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

"Rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches [plus isolated higher amounts] are possible, which could result in flash flooding," Brunswick County, N.C. said in a statement.

An advisory at 11 p.m. EDT Sunday said the area of bad weather was about 125 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C.. and 180 miles south-southwest of Cape Lookout, N.C. It has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving to the northwest toward the coast at 7 mph, the NHS said in its latest advisory.

The storm also poses the risk of urban and flash flooding along with river flooding, and higher surf conditions off the coast.

Accuweather.com predicted the storm can cause localized power outages, tree damage and minor damage to structures.

Tropical Depression Gordon had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, according to NHC forecasters.

A storm is classified as a depression with sustained winds of 38 mph or less

NHC said tropical storm-force winds were extending up to 80 miles from its center.

A westward to west-southwestward motion is forecast over the next few days with Gordon forecast to "slow down considerably through the middle of the week," according to the NHC.

Gordon is the seventh named storm in the Atlantic.

Hurricanes were Beryl, Debby, Ernesto and Francine. Tropical storms were Alberto and Cindy.