According to the National Hurricane Center, a small area of low pressure located about 150 miles east of the northernmost Bahamas has an increasing chance of developing into a tropical depression as it heads towards the southeast coast. The system, producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity, currently has a 40 percent chance of intensifying over the next 48 hours, potentially becoming a tropical depression as it approaches the Florida or Georgia coast by early Friday.

The small low-pressure system is moving west-northwest at a speed of 10 to 15 mph and is expected to reach the coast by early Friday. In order to gather more data, an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft will be dispatched to investigate the area.

Meanwhile, residents along the South Carolina coastline are urged to remain cautious as rip current risks continue to be high. For the second consecutive day, the National Weather Service has issued a high-risk warning for rip currents, making it unsafe for swimming in the region. Rip currents, strong narrow channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore, pose a significant danger even to experienced swimmers. The risk is not only limited to South Carolina but extends along the coasts of Georgia and into North Carolina. The gusty winds off the coast are contributing to the heightened risk. Sovine advises beachgoers to stay out of the water until conditions improve, which is expected to be at least until Friday.

In another tropical weather news, Tropical Storm Alberto, the season's first named storm, is currently moving inland over Mexico. The storm is causing heavy rains and flash flooding in its path. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the center of Tropical Storm Alberto was located near latitude 22.3 North, longitude 98.3 West. Moving west at a speed of 13 mph, Alberto is expected to continue its motion inland over Mexico throughout the day. Sustaining maximum winds of around 45 mph with higher gusts, Alberto is expected to weaken and is likely to dissipate over Mexico later on Thursday or Thursday night. Tropical-storm-force winds are extending outward up to 250 miles from the center of the storm. The minimum central pressure is estimated to be 997 mb or 29.44 inches.

As the tropical depression off the southeast coast gains strength, authorities are closely monitoring its progress and advising residents in potential affected areas to stay informed and prepared for any potential impacts. Additionally, individuals must exercise extreme caution when near the coastal regions due to the dangerous rip currents posing high risks for swimmers.