Charlotte, North Carolina, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A disturbance in the central tropical Atlantic is likely to develop into a tropical depression this week, according to the National Hurricane Center. With an 80% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone, it could be named Gabrielle, the seventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Residents in central North Carolina are also warned of heavy rainfall up to 5 inches, raising flash flood risks, and it follows the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which prompted a state of emergency and significant recovery aid requests.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – A disturbance in the central tropical Atlantic is on track to potentially develop into a tropical depression this week, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. As of 8 a.m. on September 15, meteorologists indicated there is an 80% chance that the wave could evolve into a tropical cyclone within the next seven days. If this happens, it would be named Gabrielle, marking it as the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The disturbance is currently moving in a west-northwestward direction at speeds of 10-15 mph, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. However, it is not posing any immediate threat to the U.S. coastline. The National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor its progress throughout the week.
Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected for central North Carolina through September 17, with some isolated afternoon showers anticipated in Charlotte. Forecasts indicate widespread rainfall amounts could reach 2-3 inches, with localized areas possibly receiving up to 5 inches. This poses a risk for flash flooding, particularly in regions already impacted by previous storms.
The 2025 hurricane season has already seen six named storms thus far, following its annual timeline from June 1 to November 30. While the peak of the hurricane season tends to occur around September 10, storms can still form thereafter. For instance, last year saw the formation of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton post-peak. Due to the active nature of this season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revised its expectations for 2025, predicting that there may be between 13-18 named storms, including 5-9 hurricanes and 2-5 major hurricanes.
The situation is compounded by the ongoing effects of Hurricane Helene, which recently brought dangerous surf, rip currents, and flooding to North Carolina, leading to evacuations in the Outer Banks and a state of emergency declared by Governor Josh Stein. Following the storm, the governor has requested an additional $13.5 billion in recovery aid from Congress, citing record damage costs. To date, the state has received $5.2 billion in federal funds to assist with recovery from Helene, amid total projected financial damages of $60 billion.
In the wake of the coastal storm’s impact, reports of power outages have emerged from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Advisory alerts have been issued across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Coastal Flood Advisories, Coastal Flood Watches, Wind Advisories, and High Surf Advisories stretching from North Carolina to Virginia. The National Weather Service has also warned of potential isolated tornadoes along the coastal areas.
As part of recovery efforts from previous storms, a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened, which is expected to stimulate the region’s tourism economy following extensive repairs and landslide mitigation. Unfortunately, deteriorating road conditions on Ocracoke Island have led to closures of Highway 12 from the ferry terminal to the Pony Pens, causing further disruption in the area.
Key Features of the Current Situation
- Tropical Depression Potential: 80% chance of development this week.
- Heavy Rainfall: Expected amounts of 2-5 inches, potential flash flooding risk.
- Recovery Aid Requested: $13.5 billion from Congress for Hurricane Helene recovery.
- Advisories Issued: Coastal Flood, Wind, and High Surf warnings in effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the tropical disturbance?
The disturbance has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical depression within the week, but is not currently threatening the U.S. coast.
What weather should residents in North Carolina expect?
Heavy rainfall is forecasted, with potential amounts reaching up to 5 inches in some areas, which raises concerns for flash flooding.
How much federal aid has been requested for hurricane recovery?
Governor Josh Stein has requested an additional $13.5 billion to assist with recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Causes Devastating Flooding in Outer Banks
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Devastated by Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Leaves Significant Impact on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Delivers Heavy Swells and Strong Winds to U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Hatteras, NC
High Risk of Life-Threatening Rip Currents in Outer Banks
East Coast Beaches Face Dangerous Swimming Conditions
Tropical Storm Dexter Develops Off North Carolina Coast
Warning Issued for Dangerous Rip Currents in Virginia Beach
High Rip Current Warning Issued for North Carolina Beaches
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- Wikipedia: Tropical depression
- ABC News
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene recovery
- WPDE
- Google Scholar: Hurricane recovery North Carolina
- ABC11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- WRAL
- Google News: North Carolina Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
