Tropical System Could Bring Heavy Rainfall To New York City

Chances are, as early as Thursday, the 2020 hurricane season could get its sixth tropical system – now forming offshore of the North Carolina Outer Banks and likely headed to New York City. 

Earlier this week, the National Hurricane Center (NWS) had a 70% probability the storm would develop into a tropical system. If that is the case, within the next 24-hours, winds would have to sustain 39 mph to become Tropical Storm Fay.

NWS Weather Note 

“Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for development and a tropical or subtropical cyclone is likely to form within the next day or so,” NWS said. 

The system began forming over the Florida Panhandle on Monday. Several weather models suggest the storm could track up the East Coast in the coming days, eventually striking New York City. 

“We’ve been watching the center of this system move across Georgia and the Carolinas for a few days now,” CNN meteorologist Taylor Ward said. “As the center moves offshore of North Carolina and hugs the coast, it will be able to tap into the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and could become a tropical storm.”

Tropical Weather Models 

“Residents along the mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts should expect conditions similar to a Nor’ easter,” said Ward. “Bands of rain and gusty winds will bring the potential for coastal flooding, beach erosion and rip currents from Thursday to Saturday.”