Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens in Atlantic; NC Coast Could See Dangerous Surf and Heavy Rain
RALEIGH, N.C. — The National Hurricane Center confirmed that Tropical Storm Jerry formed Tuesday as the 10th named system of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and while it’s not expected to make direct landfall, North Carolina’s coast could still see strong waves, rip currents, and several inches of rain heading into the weekend.
Jerry Expected to Strengthen Into a Hurricane
As of Tuesday evening, Jerry was located roughly 1,190 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, moving west at 23 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Forecasters expect Jerry to intensify into a hurricane within the next 48 hours as it moves toward the Caribbean.
According to meteorologist Michael Strickler from the National Weather Service in Raleigh, current projections show the system curving northward before reaching the U.S. coastline. “Based on the latest track, Jerry is not expected to directly impact the East Coast, but we could see increased surf and rip currents as it passes well offshore,” Strickler said.
Coastal Impacts and Flooding Risk for North Carolina
Even though Jerry will likely remain out to sea, its swells and outer bands could still amplify existing coastal problems. The Outer Banks are already dealing with erosion and elevated tides, conditions made worse by a nor’easter system moving up the coast and king tides peaking later this week.
According to AccuWeather, beach areas from Buxton to Rodanthe could experience rough surf, flooding, and dangerous rip currents starting Friday, with rainfall totals reaching 2 to 3 inches in parts of Hatteras Island between Saturday morning and Sunday morning.
Storm Season Remains Active
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30, has already been one of the most active in recent years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 13 to 18 named storms, including up to five major hurricanes. So far, the Atlantic has seen Erin, Gabrielle, Humberto, and Imelda intensify into hurricanes.
If Jerry strengthens as expected, it could become the fifth hurricane of the season — with another potential system, Karen, next in line on the naming list.
North Carolina Prepares for More Coastal Challenges
After Hurricane Erin earlier this season, inspectors in Dare County found more than 30 homes in Buxton declared uninhabitable due to flooding and erosion. Officials now fear that Jerry’s surf and the accompanying nor’easter could further weaken fragile shorelines.
Forecasters continue to urge beachgoers and residents along the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast to stay informed and use caution. “Even storms that stay offshore can create dangerous conditions along our beaches,” Strickler warned.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to follow official updates from the National Hurricane Center and share local storm reports at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com as North Carolina’s coast prepares for a potentially stormy weekend.
