Wilmington, NC – A tropical disturbance forming in the eastern Atlantic is being closely monitored as it slowly advances westward, with forecasters warning it could eventually threaten both the U.S. East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the system is positioned a few hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Meteorologists report it is producing clusters of showers and thunderstorms but has a high chance of strengthening in the coming days. The NHC currently assigns the disturbance a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression within 48 hours, and an 80% chance within seven days.
The system is expected to track west to west-northwest at roughly 15 mph across the Atlantic through the weekend. If development continues, it could become the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The U.S. National Weather Service office in Wilmington urged residents along the Atlantic seaboard and Gulf states to remain alert. In a public post Wednesday, the office cautioned that the system has been tracked since last week when it was still over Africa and that “residents along the East Coast and Gulf Coast should remain vigilant as the storm progresses.”
This hurricane season has already produced six named storms, including Major Hurricane Erin in mid-August, which reached Category 3 strength. With peak hurricane activity typically occurring in September, forecasters warn additional systems are likely to develop in the coming weeks.
Emergency officials recommend coastal residents review hurricane preparedness plans and ensure supplies are stocked in advance of any potential watches or warnings.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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