Tropical Storm Parked Off S.C.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect Monday morning from the Santee River south of Georgetown to Cape Hatteras, N.C., as the first tropical storm of the season sat parked off the South Carolina coast.

Tropical Storm Alex formed Sunday afternoon, said CBS News Meteorologist George Cullen.

"Highest sustained winds are 40 miles per hour," he said, which is just above the 39 mph winds required to meet the definition of a tropical storm. "It could strengthen a little bit today, but it is not expected to make landfall."

A tropical storm watch was in effect from Edisto Beach to the Santee River and from Cape Hatteras, N.C., north to Oregon Inlet.

"The biggest threat really up and down the Eastern seaboard is for bathers, because we're looking at strong rip currents and a very strong undertow," Cullen said. "We just came off a full-moon cycle, so that makes the tides even stronger."

At 5 a.m., Alex was stationary about 100 miles south southeast of Charleston, S.C.

"The movement appears to be more towards the north and eventually northeast later today and tonight, which would keep the center of the storm offshore," said Cullen.

Gusts of up to 45 mph were expected in Georgetown and Horry counties as the storm moves north, the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, N.C., said.

One to two inches of rain was expected.

The weather service office in Charleston encouraged people to remain alert to changing conditions and to make sure lawn furniture and other loose outdoor items were secure.

Forecasters expect no significant coastal flooding.