Multiple Storms Pose Threat as Atlantic Hurricane Season Heats Up
As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its climatological peak, AccuWeather experts are closely monitoring multiple storms across the globe, with immediate flood threats for Texas and potential hurricane impacts for the Caribbean and Hawaii.
A dangerous combination of factors, including a surge of tropical moisture from the Gulf and remnants of Pacific Hurricane Lorena, is expected to trigger a significant flood threat for parts of Texas this weekend and into early next week. Lorena, while losing wind intensity, is forecast to funnel a complex of slow-moving thunderstorms into the region.
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"Residual tropical moisture from Lorena can be drawn into the complex of thunderstorms, as well as an influx of tropical moisture from the Gulf," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. "This dangerous combination could trigger flooding issues, especially in areas with steep terrain and arid soils like the Texas Hill Country."
Porter warned that rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour could occur, leading to significant flash flooding and rapidly rising water. The Texas Hill Country has been particularly vulnerable this year, having experienced catastrophic flooding during the Independence Day holiday weekend that resulted in over 130 fatalities and an estimated $18 billion to $22 billion in damage and economic loss.
"Never drive into areas where water covers the roadway, as you don't know how deep the water is or how fast it is flowing," Porter urged, referencing the numerous tragedies involving vehicles and flash flooding this year.
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Simultaneously, a new tropical rainstorm that formed in the Atlantic on Thursday is on a westward path and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane next week as it approaches the Lesser and Greater Antilles. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva anticipates the storm will be named Tropical Storm Gabrielle, noting it is expected to intensify over very warm waters.
"This storm could bring wind and rain impacts to some of the islands next week," said DaSilva, advising residents in the Lesser and Greater Antilles and northeast Caribbean to be on alert.
Beyond this developing storm, DaSilva also noted that another tropical wave is expected to push off the coast of Africa next week, indicating a continued ramp-up in tropical activity. AccuWeather's 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast predicts an active season with 13 to 18 named storms.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific, Hurricane Kiko, which recently exploded into a powerful Category 4 storm, is also being closely monitored. While forecast to lose wind intensity as it advances toward Hawaii, experts warn that it could still bring several inches of rain and gusty winds to the islands by the middle of next week.
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"People across Hawaii should be prepared for several inches of rain and gusty winds from Kiko next week," said DaSilva. He also warned that if the rainfall is limited, the threat of wildfires could increase as the storm passes.
AccuWeather experts are urging the public to stay informed and prepared as multiple storm systems threaten different parts of the globe. The company provides a variety of resources, including its Hurricane Tracker and RealImpact™ Scale, to help people and businesses prepare for and mitigate the dangers posed by these storms.
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