Charleston, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Charleston are keeping a close watch as a disturbance in the Atlantic develops into Tropical Storm Gabrielle, with a 90% chance of formation by Thursday. The storm is moving at 10-15 mph and may impact South Carolina with larger waves and rip currents. Meteorologists assure there is no immediate threat to the U.S. East Coast. This hurricane season has seen unusually low activity, with only one hurricane recorded so far, making it one of the quietest seasons in years.
Alert for Coastal Residents: Tropical Storm Gabrielle Imminent?
Hey there, folks in Charleston! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the skies or maybe feeling a little anxious about the weather lately, here’s some news you’d want to hear about. There’s a disturbance swirling around in the Atlantic Ocean that has a whopping 90% chance of evolving into Tropical Storm Gabrielle by Thursday morning. Yes, you heard that right!
What’s Happening in the Atlantic?
The storm is currently racing between the African West Coast and the Windward Islands, moving at a brisk speed of 10 to 15 mph. Meteorologists are closely monitoring this system as it churns away in the central tropical Atlantic. The latest models suggest that it’s likely to track towards the northwest and then curve right out to sea, thankfully keeping it away from the U.S. East Coast.
Don’t Panic—No Immediate Threat!
For now, there’s really no cause for alarm. Experts from the National Weather Service have indicated there is no significant threat to the mainland, especially the East Coast of the United States. Recent weather patterns, including some cool air and a trough covering the eastern U.S., are helping keep the storm offshore. So, unless something changes drastically, it looks like Gabrielle will be more of a beach connoisseur than a land intruder.
What Should South Carolina Expect?
If this disturbance does solidify and become a storm, South Carolina shores could see some minor impacts. The potential risks include generating larger waves and the possibility of dangerous rip currents at the beaches. So if you’re planning a beach day, keep your eyes open and stay tuned for any official updates!
Other Weather Developments in the Atlantic
But wait, there’s more! Aside from Gabrielle, there’s another disturbance hanging around the Guinea-Bissau coast that only has a 20% chance of turning into a cyclone over the next week. Not to mention, there’s another tropical wave dubbed AL92 dancing across the Atlantic, with a 90% chance of developing in the next seven days. Just recently, a new tropical wave formed off the coast of Africa, although it’s sitting at only a 20% chance of stirring things up.
What’s the Buzz About This Hurricane Season?
The 2024 hurricane season has been unusually slow, with this year recording the least hurricane activity since 2014! So far, we’ve only seen one hurricane, Hurricane Erin, which reached Category 5 status. Traditionally, the peak of the hurricane season is around September 10, and right now, we’re a little past that point. It’s interesting to note that the last time there was just one hurricane by September 15 was way back in 2002.
A Little Background
It’s also worth mentioning that a previous system named Invest 91L was expected to develop but fumbled due to dry air and dust conditions. The last hurricane season, while equally sluggish to start, eventually brought forth impactful storms. So, we’ll want to keep our fingers crossed that Gabrielle stays on course and just gives us some wild waves without any landfall!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the likelihood of Tropical Storm Gabrielle making landfall in the U.S.?
The current forecast indicates that Gabrielle will likely remain offshore, posing minimal threat to the U.S. East Coast.
What impacts can we expect at South Carolina beaches?
If the storm develops, South Carolina beaches may experience larger waves and dangerous rip currents.
How does this hurricane season compare to previous years?
This year’s hurricane season has been slow, with only one hurricane recorded so far, which is the lowest since 2014.
| Feature | Tropical Storm Gabrielle | Hurricane Season 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Chances | 90% | Lowest activity since 2014 |
| Current Speed | 10-15 mph | N/A |
| Potential Impacts | Waves & Rip Currents | Only one storm so far |
| Historical Fact | N/A | Last time only one hurricane by Sept 15 was in 2002 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Takes Action Against Abandoned Boats
Hilton Head Island Implements New Law to Clean Up Waterways
Hilton Head Island Reports Two Shark Bites in a Week Amid Parking Expansion Work
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for South Carolina and New Jersey
Hurricane Kiko Approaches Hawaii as a Category 4 Storm
Thunderstorm Watch Issued for McCormick County
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Fairfield, Kershaw, and Richland Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Hits Greater Oconee – What You Need to Know
Hawaii Braces for Hurricane Kiko: State of Emergency Declared
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Gabrielle
- PNJ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Season
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Hurricane Gabrielle
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort 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 RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
Mays Contracting
