Bertha makes landfall along South Carolina coast, downgraded to depression

ATLANTA — Tropical Storm Bertha officially made landfall along the coast of South Carolina shortly after it formed Wednesday morning.

Bertha became the second named storm before the official start of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season. The storm has now been downgraded to a tropical depression.

TS Bertha made landfall along coast of South Carolina east of Charleston. Max winds at 50 mph, moving NW at 9 mph. pic.twitter.com/wuvBFCCK2E
— Eboni Deon, WSB (@EboniDeonWSB) May 27, 2020

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon says a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Edisto Beach to the South Santee River in South Carolina.

[DOWNLOAD the free Severe Weather Team 2 app for live forecasts]

Bertha’s maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph, but it is expected to weaken to a tropical depression after moving inland.

Stay with Channel 2 Action News for updates on Tropical Storm Bertha’s path.

Tropical Storm Bertha has formed near coast of South Carolina. TS Warning for Edisto Beach to South Santee River. pic.twitter.com/f4ZdtOlMFG
— Eboni Deon, WSB (@EboniDeonWSB) May 27, 2020

The storm was centered about 30 miles east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and was moving northwest near 9 mph.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1.

Earlier this month, Tropical Storm Arthur brought rain to North Carolina before moving out to sea. It was the sixth straight year that a named storm has developed before the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Tropical Storm Arthur becomes 1st named storm of 2020 Meteorologist Eboni Deon says there's no threat to north Georgia but the coast could see high surf.