Josephine Becomes the 10th Named Storm of the 2026 Atlantic Season
What is left of Josephine will brush by Atlantic Canada this weekend before heading into the remote North Atlantic. Just as Josephine dissipates, the Atlantic could see two new tropical threats. Here is the latest update on what is happening in the Atlantic basin.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Josephine Will Impact Massachusetts and Atlantic Canada
Post-tropical Cyclone Josephine was located to the southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, late Thursday. This 10th named storm of the Atlantic season is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 mph as it speeds off to the northeast at 17 mph. The former nor'easter took on formal tropical characteristics this week as it churned over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The system was assigned the name Josephine once it developed these traits.
Josephine is now moving into progressively colder waters as it tracks to the north, weakening it along the way. While the storm will not make a landfall, it will move close enough to the southeastern corner of Massachusetts and into Atlantic Canada to deliver impacts to these regions.
What is left of Josephine will unleash rough surf conditions to the Massachusetts coastline on Friday. This will result in the likelihood of beach erosion and minor to moderate coastal flooding. This event is not expected to be as significant as the September nor'easter that roared up the Atlantic Seaboard.
The latest forecast models from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predict that what is left of Josephine will merge with a non-tropical storm later this weekend in the North Atlantic. This weather maker may eventually impact the United Kingdom.
Elsewhere in the Atlantic
Just as Josephine pulls away from the U.S. East Coast, another tropical rainstorm could develop east of Bermuda. This storm is not expected to result in any impacts to the U.S. A front located in the vicinity of this developing storm system will increase disruptive wind shear, limiting its potential development.
While the budding tropical rainstorm near Bermuda is not likely to get much traction, it will be a different situation near the Bahamas. The difference in pressure between a zone of storms near the Bahamas and an area of high pressure anchored over the eastern U.S. will ignite northeasterly winds along the coastline beginning on Friday and lasting through early next week.
In addition to the gusty conditions, the building seas will usher in large breaking waves and the potential for life-threatening rip currents along the coastline from South Florida and up into South Carolina. These coastal hazards are forecast to persist into the early part of next week, even if the system does not develop tropical traits. The next name up on the list of 2026 Atlantic names is Kyle, followed by Leah.
The gusty seas and timing of the high tides this weekend will support the development of prolonged beach erosion and coastal flooding. The King Tides associated with the upcoming full moon will pair with the higher water levels to raise this threat. The next full moon will rise overnight Sunday and into Monday. Cities that need to be aware of the chance of coastal flooding include Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Charleston.
The potential formation of a tropical event near the Bahamas could lead to worsening coastal conditions in the Southeast. Forecasters warn that even in the absence of a named storm coming together, the tropical weather maker could deliver significant impacts in the form of flooding and high seas.
A storm that forms close enough to the Southeast coastline could also result in heavy rain across portions of Georgia and Florida. The Bahamas and Cuba are likely to take the brunt of this budding system and its high winds and flooding rainfall.
Lastly, small watercraft operators along the southeastern U.S. coastline should stay on top of local forecasts. Beachgoers will also want to be aware of the risks. This is particularly important as most beaches no longer have lifeguards on duty now that the busy summer season is over.
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