Cyclone Josephine forms near US East Coast as nine states are warned of storm’s impact

A subtropical storm erupted off the US East Coast on Wednesday, threatening nine states with dangerous surf and coastal flooding.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced Josephine formed at 5pm ET over the Atlantic, roughly east of Virginia and south of New England.

AccuWeather’s forecast shows the storm will unleash coastal flooding at high tide from North Carolina to southeastern New York into Thursday. 

These hazards will persist along the eastern Massachusetts coast into Friday.

Unlike a traditional tropical storm, which gets its energy primarily from warm ocean water, a subtropical storm has characteristics of both tropical and non-tropical weather systems – in this case, a nor’easter.

The NHC’s alert noted maximum sustained winds were 65mph, with higher gusts, but hurricane-force winds of at least 74mph are expected by Thursday as it nears New England.

AccuWeather said in a statement: ‘The new storm will also remain well offshore. 

‘However, the pressure difference between the storm and high pressure over the eastern US will strengthen northeasterly winds along the coast.’

The NHC said Josephine moved slowly northward on Wednesday but is expected to pick up speed and turn northeast on Thursday, carrying it away from the US coast.

By Friday, the storm is forecast to turn east and pass south of Newfoundland, Canada, with 80mph winds.

However, Josephine’s effects could linger along the East Coast even as the storm moves away, with gale-force wind gusts possible along parts of the Northeast through Thursday.

Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is already affecting parts of the Mid-Atlantic and is expected to continue through the rest of the week around high tide.

Large swells are also reaching much of the Eastern Seaboard, threatening beaches with life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Josephine is expected to strengthen over the next day near the Gulf Stream, with hurricane-force winds developing on its western side Thursday as it transitions into a non-tropical storm. 

AccuWeather noted that as Josephine moves away, another storm will develop near the Bahamas. 

‘Its coastal impacts will ramp up from Thursday to Friday and continue through the weekend into early next week,’ said the weather outlet.

‘The new storm will also remain well offshore. However, the pressure difference between the storm and high pressure over the eastern US will strengthen northeasterly winds along the coast.’

Conditions appear generally unfavorable for tropical development of the storm near the Bahamas because it will form along a front and may encounter strong wind shear, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. 

The next name to be used this hurricane season is Kyle.