T.D. #3 Forms off North Carolina Coast, May Kick-up Jersey Surf

Tropical Depression #3 has formed off of the North Carolina coast.

The good news is that the system, which is forecast to become a minimal hurricane by Tuesday or Wednesday, is expected to head away from the coast.

As of 5AM Saturday, the National Hurricane Center says the disorganized system was located 145 miles SSE of Cape Hatteras, NC, and moving NNW at 5 MPH. The depression is expected to meander off the coasts of the Carolinas for the next several days. By Tuesday, a faster northeastward motion is expected to begin.

Maximum sustained winds are near 30 MPH and gradual strengthening is forecast during the next few days. The depression is expected to become a tropical storm by Sunday and possibly a hurricane by Tuesday or Wednesday. Should the system strengthen, its name would be Chris.

If you plan on hitting the beaches in the next few days, be cautious of potentially rough surf and rip currents and obey local lifeguards.