Coastal areas stretching from the Southeast to the Northeast should prepare for a messy weekend of gusty winds, downpours, and significant beach erosion from a developing tropical wind and rainstorm, AccuWeather hurricane experts warned today. This potential coastal threat emerges as Tropical Storm Jerry strengthens far out in the central Atlantic.
Developing Coastal Threat
AccuWeather is alerting residents and businesses along the East Coast to a high-impact weather system expected to develop later this week off the Southeast coast. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva emphasizes the potential for a “very stormy weekend” with impacts starting as early as Friday.
“A tropical wind and rainstorm could soak parts of the East Coast later this week and into the weekend,” DaSilva explained. “Some coastal areas could see several inches of rain, gusty winds, beach erosion, and prolonged coastal flooding, regardless of tropical development.”
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The storm’s nature means it could linger, with a window of opportunity to strengthen into a named tropical storm (the next name on the list is Karen).
The threat of beach erosion and prolonged coastal flooding is particularly high, especially for areas already vulnerable this season. DaSilva highlighted the plight of the Outer Banks and coastal Carolinas, stating, “This storm will likely bring more rough surf and beach erosion to areas that have already been hit hard this year. We could see more vulnerable beach homes collapse into the ocean.”
What is a ‘Tropical Rainstorm’?
AccuWeather uses the term “tropical rainstorm” to describe certain tropical systems that can bring significant impacts from rain or wind before they are officially classified as a tropical depression or storm. This proprietary term is used to raise public awareness of the potential for disruptive, damaging, and dangerous conditions, even if the system does not meet official wind-speed classifications.
Tropical Storm Jerry’s Path
Meanwhile, AccuWeather, which was the first known source to issue a forecast track for the storm, is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Jerry.
“Tropical Storm Jerry is expected to strengthen into the fifth hurricane of the season in the Atlantic,” DaSilva confirmed. The current forecast track anticipates Jerry will pass north of the Leeward Islands, bringing some wind and rain to the Lesser Antilles starting late Thursday.
At this time, weather patterns are expected to guide Jerry away from the continental U.S., with a dip in the jet stream steering the storm to the north and then curving it out to sea.
AccuWeather’s overall 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast predicts 13–16 named storms and six to nine hurricanes, maintaining a forecast for three to six direct storm impacts on the U.S. mainland. Forecasters are also monitoring a low risk of tropical development in the Bay of Campeche this week, which could affect eastern Mexico.
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