Tropical Storm Dexter Could Form in the Atlantic as the U.S. Southeast Braces for Flooding

Tropical Storm Dexter

Warnings for Heavy Rainfall

Flood Risk in the Southeast

A new weather threat is developing off the eastern coast of the United States with the potential formation of Tropical Storm Dexter.

The system, identified by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) as Invest 95L, is located hundreds of miles east of North Carolina.

Although it is not yet officially a tropical storm, the NHC gives it a high chance of developing within the next two days.

The term “Invest” is used to designate weather systems under observation for their potential to develop into cyclones.

Tropical Storm Dexter Could Form East of North Carolina

Tropical Storm Dexter Could Form in the Atlantic-Photo: Shutterstock

Currently, Invest 95L is producing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure.

Winds within the system have already reached tropical-storm strength, although the NHC notes that it remains linked to a frontal boundary.

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However, environmental conditions could soon allow it to acquire additional tropical characteristics.

“A tropical storm is likely to form by Monday well east of the North Carolina coast,” the NHC said in its latest forecast.

The US Southeast Prepares for Rainy Days

If it develops, the tropical storm would be named Dexter, continuing the official list of Atlantic cyclones.

Meanwhile, the Southeast faces a week marked by thunderstorms and potential flooding risk. The threat is not solely dependent on Dexter’s development.

A powerful cold front is moving through the Deep South and will bring persistent rainfall to several states. Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and northern Florida are already experiencing thunderstorms and heavy precipitation.

The storms are expected to intensify particularly in the afternoons as the front moves south and east.

Cold Front and Humidity Worsen Weather Conditions

The weather pattern will form an arc of storms primarily affecting southern Georgia, South Carolina’s Lowcountry, and much of Alabama.

Mornings may start out calm, but conditions are expected to change quickly as humidity rises.

This moisture is coming directly from the Gulf of Mexico, fueled by an upper-level disturbance that will stall over the region.

This atmospheric system will act as a steady “water pump” for several days, resulting in a wet week with multiple rounds of thunderstorms.

Storms Could Cause Damage

The storms associated with the cold front could locally cause damage from fallen trees, lightning, and water accumulation.

In summary, the week begins with the dual threat of a possible tropical storm in the Atlantic and severe weather on land.

The weather outlook requires constant monitoring and contingency plans, especially for communities vulnerable to flooding.

According to Fox Weather, the US Southeast is preparing for a difficult few days under a sky filled with clouds and lightning.