Tropical Depression Seven (2003)

Tropical Depression Seven of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season was a weak tropical depression that formed off the northeast Florida coast. The seventh tropical cyclone of the season, the depression formed on July 25 from the same tropical wave that spawned previous Tropical Depression Six. A small and disorganized depression, it tracked northwest, and due to unfavorable conditions it remained below tropical storm intensity. The depression made landfall at St. Catherines Island, Georgia, and moved inland, where it steadily weakened. Because the storm was weak, effects were limited to heavy rainfall throughout portions of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Storm history
A tropical wave, which had previously spawned Tropical Depression Six, interacted with an upper-level low pressure area to develop an area of deep convection near Hispaniola on July 23, 2003. A mid- to lower-level circulation developed within the system as it tracked generally north-northwestward, and based on surface and satellite observations, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Seven at 1200 UTC on July 25 about 60 miles (95 km) east of Daytona Beach, Florida. The system was embedded in an environment characterized by high surface pressures.

Initially, the depression tracked west-northwest at about 13 mph, and most of the associated convection was separated from the center. However, the cloud pattern became well-defined, and consisted of a number of curved banding features. The storm continued a northwestward track for its entire existence, under the steering currents of a subtropical ridge and an approaching mid-level trough. Tracking through an area of cool water temperatures, as well as unfavorable upper-level winds, the depression failed to achieve winds greater than 35 mph (55 km/h), and thus did not attain tropical storm status. Prior to landfall, the highest winds were estimated to exist in a small area northeast of the center of circulation, where a well-defined band of clouds persisted. Early on July 26 it moved ashore on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, and after steadily weakening over land it dissipated on July 27.

Impact
As the storm was never forecast to attain tropical storm status, no tropical storm warnings or watches were issued. However, flood watches were posted for much of Georgia and South Carolina. In Georgetown County, South Carolina, officials monitored the storm for potential needed actions. The depression dropped light to moderate rainfall from Florida to the coast of North Carolina, peaking at 5.17 inches (131 mm) in Savannah, Georgia. Other rainfall totals of 2 to 3 in (50 to 75 mm) were common. There were no reports of damage or casualties associated with this depression.