Soaking rainfall could trigger flooding in North Carolina, while forecasters monitor a developing tropical system in the Atlantic.
An area of low pressure off the coast of North Carolina is set to deliver several inches of rain to parts of the mid-Atlantic this week, with the potential for localized flooding, according to AccuWeather hurricane experts. At the same time, forecasters are closely watching a tropical wave in the Atlantic that has a high chance of developing into a named storm.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva warns that parts of eastern North Carolina could see 4 to 8 inches of rain through Wednesday, with the Outer Banks and other coastal areas most at risk. Cities like Raleigh and Virginia Beach could also receive more than two inches.
“An area of low pressure along the mid-Atlantic coast will soak parts of North Carolina and Virginia this week,” DaSilva stated.
In addition to the heavy rain, the storm is expected to cause minor-to-moderate coastal flooding along the mid-Atlantic coast and southern Chesapeake Bay. Hazardous beach conditions, including rough surf and dangerous rip currents, are also likely.
A Look at the Tropics
While the coastal low impacts the U.S., a separate and more significant tropical threat is being monitored farther out in the Atlantic. A tropical wave, currently moving through the main development region, has a high chance of strengthening into a tropical depression or storm.
READ: Hurricane Threat Looms As Atlantic System Strengthens, Gulf Remains Primary US Concern
“This wave could become the next tropical depression or tropical storm in the Atlantic,” said DaSilva. He noted that if it develops, the steering winds would likely guide it north of the Caribbean and away from the U.S.
The next name on the Atlantic storm list is Gabrielle.
La Niña’s Influence on Hurricane Season
The AccuWeather team has slightly reduced its 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast to 13-16 named storms and 6-9 hurricanes, citing a midseason lull. However, the forecast for 3 to 6 direct U.S. impacts remains unchanged.
READ: Manatee Deaths Decline In Florida, But Challenges Remain
Forecasters are also keeping a close eye on the developing La Niña conditions, with a watch issued by the Climate Prediction Center. La Niña, which is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific, is known to influence weather patterns in the U.S. and is a major factor in fueling tropical development.
“The chances of La Niña conditions greatly increase late in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, especially in October and November,” DaSilva explained. “This favors an active end to the hurricane season.” This is because La Niña can reduce wind shear in the Atlantic, creating an environment more conducive to storm formation.
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