Forecasters have issued tropical storm warnings for the Southeast coast from northeastern Florida to South Carolina as a cluster of thunderstorms is gathering strength and expected to become Tropical Storm Beryl over the Memorial Day weekend.

The National Weather Service said Friday night that the storm's winds of 45 mph weren't quite at tropical storm force. But they are expected to increase as the storm slows down in the Atlantic.

Late Friday, the storm was about 305 miles (490 kilometers) from Charleston, S.C.

Tropical storm warnings are out for the Volusia/Brevard County line in Florida to Edisto Beach, S.C. A watch is out for most of the South Carolina coast.

Higher than normal tides will be crashing against the Southeastern coast and may cause flooding. Heavy rain is forecast.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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