A new area of potential tropical development has emerged off the Southeast coast, raising concerns for millions of Americans preparing to travel ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that toward the end of this week and into next weekend, an area of low pressure could form from the remnants of a frontal boundary lingering near or along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic or Gulf coasts. The NHC says there is a low chance of tropical or subtropical development over the next week as the system drifts slowly off the U.S. coastline.
While the likelihood of development remains low for now, forecasters caution that even without a fully formed tropical system, the area could still bring heavy rain, rough surf, and gusty winds to coastal communities — potentially impacting holiday travel and outdoor plans.
The timing is concerning as the Fourth of July weekend is expected to see a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans traveling, according to AAA. This year, the holiday falls on a Friday, creating a built-in three-day weekend for many, fueling the surge in travel demand.
“With so many people hitting the roads, airports, and beaches, even minor weather disruptions could cause significant delays and headaches,” said Melanie Fish, a travel expert with Vrbo, in an interview with FOX Weather.
Travelers with plans along the Southeast coast — including popular destinations in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas — are urged to monitor weather updates closely as the holiday weekend approaches.
The NHC will continue to track the system and provide updates in the coming days.
