Subtropical Storm Josephine has just formed off the coast of the mid-Atlantic, but as it moves northward, it’s little more than a nuisance to coastal communities.
The storm is 425 miles south of Nantucket Island and has sustained winds of about 105 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Josephine is the 10th named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which continues well behind schedule.
The 10th named storm typically occurs in late September, but this season a strong El Niño helped suppress storm activity in the Atlantic Ocean.
Josephine remained off the east coast Thursday, tracking northeast and is expected to dissipate this weekend.
Subtropical cyclones share some characteristics with tropical systems, such as drawing energy from warm ocean waters, but they also have characteristics of non-tropical cyclones, such as nor’easters.
In terms of impact, this difference makes little difference. Subtropical storms can still produce strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding.
Hurricane-force winds are expected to strengthen by late Thursday and increase some strength over the next 36 hours as Josephine enters post-tropical storm status.
Fortunately, most of Josephine’s winds and rain are expected to remain in the open Atlantic Ocean. Light to windy conditions will continue to affect parts of the East Coast, especially Cape Cod, Massachusetts, through Thursday.
Coastal flooding is also possible around high tide from the mid-Atlantic to Cape Cod into Friday.
Most of the rain will remain offshore, so much of the East Coast is expected to remain dry through the weekend and into the weekend. Wind-driven rain could reach Cape Cod Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
