The southeastern United States is on alert as forecasters monitor Invest 97L, a developing system in the Atlantic that could become Hurricane Erin — the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Monday morning that the disturbance has a 90% chance of forming into a tropical depression or storm within the next seven days, with possible development as early as today.
Currently moving west to northwest, the system is producing clusters of rainfall and gusty winds over the open Atlantic. Meteorologists caution that it is too early to predict whether it will impact the U.S. East Coast directly. However, forecasters warn that rough surf and dangerous rip currents are likely along southeastern beaches by this weekend, even if the storm remains offshore.
The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and runs through November 30, with August 11 being the average date for the first named storm. If Invest 97L becomes Erin, it would arrive almost exactly on schedule.
Last year’s season was particularly destructive for the Southeast, with three hurricanes striking Florida in just over two months. The most devastating, Hurricane Helene, made landfall near Dekle Beach, Florida, on September 26, before moving into western North Carolina. Helene caused catastrophic flooding and wind damage, killing 107 people in North Carolina alone and 236 across seven states, with damages estimated at $60 billion. Recovery efforts in North Carolina are still ongoing nearly a year later.
Officials urge coastal residents to monitor forecasts closely and review emergency plans, as early-season storms can intensify rapidly under favorable conditions.
