Jacksonville, FL – Coastal residents from Florida to the Carolinas are being urged to prepare for potential tropical-storm-force winds as early as Sunday night, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The system, identified as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm this weekend. According to the NHC’s Friday night advisory, tropical-storm-force winds could reach South Florida by late Sunday and spread north into Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina through Monday and Tuesday.
Forecasters say heavy rainfall is also expected, with the risk of flash flooding from coastal Georgia through the Carolinas and into the southern Mid-Atlantic states. Urban and river flooding is possible in areas hit by repeated downpours.
By early next week, the system could reach near-hurricane strength as it approaches the Southeast U.S. coast. The NHC warns of possible storm surge and strong wind impacts along the shoreline, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone communities.
Officials urge residents in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to monitor updates closely over the weekend and review hurricane safety plans now. Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are already in effect for portions of the Bahamas, with impacts expected to expand northward.
The latest advisory emphasizes that dangerous conditions may extend well outside the storm’s forecast track, meaning preparation is essential across a wide portion of the Southeast coastline.
