Tropical Storm Hermine Forecast Puts Virginia, Maryland in Potential Path

The latest projections Wednesday afternoon for Tropical Storm Hermine puts the potential route through northern Virginia this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

At 11 p.m., the storm was in the Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and traveling NNE at 10 mph.

The storm is projected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall early Friday along the Florida Panhandle, according to the latest forecast.

The storm would then move over south Georgia and the Carolinas through Saturday morning. By late Saturday, the storm could be in northern Virginia and Maryland or turn east and head out into the Atlantic.

The National Weather Service in Sterling, Va., noted Wednesday afternoon that area residents will need to monitor the storm and stressed that the forecast is "evolving."

With the forecast uncertain, it is not clear what storm impacts the region will see. The storm will likely be downgraded to a "post-tropical" level by that time. But it would be rainfall would still be a concern.

The National Weather Service is warning residents in the Carolinas to prepare for locally heavy amounts of rain through Saturday, with the potential for life-threatening flooding.

Tropical Depression Nine cropped up during the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season’s traditional peak.

The season peaks each year between mid-August and mid-October. The period is described as the “season within the season” by forecasters. This eight-week period “is often the most active and dangerous time for tropical cyclone activity,” NOAA explained on its website.

The eight-week period is historically responsible for major spikes in tropical weather activity, NOAA said. In fact, it accounts for about 78 percent of all tropical storm days on record. It is also the period when 87 percent of the Category 1 and 2 hurricane days on record occurred. In addition, this period is responsible for “a whopping 96 percent of the major (Category 3, 4 and 5) hurricane days.”

To keep up with storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website and sign up for your hometown Patch newsletter for local information.

Includes reporting by Sherri Lonon