2 tropical systems may form in the Atlantic. How they could affect NC
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Two Atlantic disturbances show 30% and 50% chances of tropical formation.
- Rip currents and large waves threaten North Carolina beaches through Aug. 5.
- NOAA forecasts 13–19 named storms for 2025's hurricane season through Nov. 30.
The National Hurricane Center has identified two disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean that have not yet developed into tropical systems.
One off the coast Georgia and South Carolina has a low (30%) chance of developing over the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center, but it is expected to slowly move westward to northwestward.
There’s also a disturbance off the coast of West Africa that has a 50% chance of forming in the next seven days. According to the National Hurricane Center, a tropical depression could form by the end of the week, as it moves west.
However, the storm would still be far from land by that time, meteorologist Gail Hartfield with the National Weather Service in Raleigh told The News & Observer.
These are in addition to Tropical Storm Dexter, which is well off the U.S. coast and should continue moving away from it.
NC weather hazards
The biggest hazards for North Carolina right now are rip currents and enhanced swells and surf at the coast, Hartfield said.
Dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves in the surf zone are possible Monday, Aug. 4, according to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City.
A small craft advisory for coastal waters is in effect until Tuesday morning, Aug. 5.
When is hurricane season?
These disturbances and storms come ahead of the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is Wednesday, Sept. 10. Most activity occurs between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted in late May that there would be between 13 and 19 named storms this hurricane season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30, The N&O previously reported. Of those, six to 10 were forecast to become hurricanes.
Dexter is the fourth named storm this year, after Andrea, Barry and Chantal, which flooded parts of central North Carolina. The next named storms would be Erin and Fernand.
