Tropical Storm Bonnie forms off the Southeast Coast; Threatening Holiday Plans

— -- Millions of beach goers along the Southeast coast continue to keep an eye on newly named Tropical Storm Bonnie taking aim on the Carolinas this weekend. Tropical depression Two strengthened to Tropical Storm Bonnie on Saturday afternoon.

As of the 5 p.m. ET advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Bonnie had sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving to the northwest at 10 mph.

Bonnie was about 120 miles to the southeast of Beaufort, South Carolina, on Saturday afternoon. Tropical storm conditions are expected to impact the South Carolina coast on Saturday night and last into Sunday morning.

Bonnie will move ashore and likely make a landfall somewhere between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, on Sunday morning. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are possible along the coast with 1 to 3 inches of rainfall. Locally higher amounts of rain could fall and produce some flash flooding.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the coast of South Carolina where tropical storm conditions are possible and the greatest impacts from Bonnie are forecast.

Bonnie is expected to remain a minimal tropical storm with heavy rain and possible flash flooding the main concerns. Tropical storm force winds will be possible along the coast along with a 1 to 2 foot storm surge expected at the coast.

Another concern to beach goers throughout the holiday weekend with be dangerous rip currents all along the Southeastern coast of the U.S.

Tropical moisture from Bonnie will help spark off rounds of heavy rain along the East Coast on Sunday and Monday with isolated flash flooding possible.