A tropical wave in the central Atlantic has a high chance of strengthening over the next seven days — possibly becoming Tropical Storm Gabrielle.
The National Hurricane Center said a tropical depression is likely to form by the middle to later part of this week.
Dry air over the Atlantic has been suppressing tropical waves during the peak of hurricane season, but the National Hurricane Center says those conditions are expected to ease this week.
Later in the week, reduced dry air, Saharan dust, and wind shear will make it easier for waves moving off Africa to develop, according to AccuWeather.
So far, this season has produced six named storms, none of which have made U.S. landfall, though Erin brought some serious impacts to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The next named storm is Gabrielle.
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Are there any storms in the Atlantic right now?
As of Monday morning, Sept. 15, there are no named storms in the Atlantic. However, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring one disturbance.
Disturbance 1:
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Location: Central tropical Atlantic
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Movement: West to west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph
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Formation chance in 48 hours: Low, 30%
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Formation chance in 7 days: High, 80%
If maximum sustained winds reach at least 39 mph, it would become Tropical Storm Gabrielle, the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The tropical wave located near the west coast of Africa is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the far eastern Atlantic.
Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system over the next several days.
A tropical depression could form by the middle part of this week while it moves westward to west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph over the eastern and central tropical Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center.
What tropical waves, disturbances are in Atlantic basin now?
Other tropical waves being monitored by National Hurricane Center:
The axis of an eastern Caribbean tropical wave is near 68W south of 20N. It is moving westward at around 17 mph. Scattered moderate convection is noted from 15N to 17N between 65W and 68W.
The axis of a central Atlantic tropical wave is near 48W from 01N to 20N. It is moving westward at around 11 to 17 mph. Scattered moderate and isolated strong convection is noted from 14N to 20N between 45W and 50W.
Hurricane season set to ramp up by late September
While the basin has been quiet — even through the climatological peak — officials warn that activity is likely to increase as suppressing factors like dry air and wind shear begin to fade.
Of particular concern are storms that form close to the United States. Unlike tropical waves that roll off Africa and give forecasters days to track, systems that develop in the Gulf, Caribbean or off the Southeast coast can catch residents with little time to prepare.
These “homegrown” storms can also rapidly intensify in the Gulf’s extremely warm waters, AccuWeather forecasters said.
Are any hurricanes coming to South Carolina?
No. A new tropical disturbance has emerged, and is at high chance for development — at 80% over the next seven days.
It’s also too early at this time to determine if there will be any impact to South Carolina or the U.S. from the other tropical waves out there.
Conditions can change rapidly, though, and forecasters warn residents to not become complacent and to always be prepared.
When does the Atlantic hurricane season end in South Carolina?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said.
The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Donald Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories.
The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.
Prepare now for hurricanes
Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period,” NOAA recommends.
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Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
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Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
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Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
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Create a family communication plan: NOAA says to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
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Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Tropical storm chances grow in Atlantic. Any South Carolina impacts?
