A low-category hurricane, soon to be named Imelda, may reach coastal Georgia and the Carolinas early next week, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts. Or at least, a tropical storm near or at hurricane-intensity.

Tropical storm alerts have been posted and at least one state has declared a pre-emptive state of emergency as a looming storm system is on its way to becoming future Hurricane Imelda, bringing the potential threat of heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the Southeast.

Tropical wave Invest 94L is expected to become Tropical Storm Imelda, with potential impacts in South Carolina early next week. Heavy rain and strong winds are possible.

The governor's order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to commence statewide preparation and coordination procedures.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Friday declared a state of emergency as the tropical disturbance moved closer, telling residents of his state to monitor the forecast and start preparing. The governor's order puts emergency plans in place and makes federal help available.

Hurricane Humberto is officially brewing in the Atlantic, but a currently unnamed disturbance could be a bigger threat to South Carolina.

If Humberto becomes a major hurricane as expected, it will be the first time since 1935 when a season's first three storms were Category 3 or higher.