Tropical Storm Gabrielle is likely to form in the central Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center is also watching a tropical wave near Africa in the eastern Atlantic.

A coastal storm will continue to impact parts of the mid-Atlantic Tuesday into Wednesday before pushing away from the East Coast Thursday. A flood watch is in effect for southeastern Virginia and eastern North Carolina, including the Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News and Williamsburg as an additional 2-3 inches of rain will be possible, with isolated totals as high as 5 inches. Gusty winds will push water onshore, so the threat for moderate tidal flooding, maybe even major, is increasing along the James River and parts of the Chesapeake Bay. Tuesday evening’s high tide is of most concern. Large breaking waves will lead to a high risk for rip currents, so it’s best to stay out of the water. Here’s the latest update.

People across the mid-Atlantic states were told they were coming, but they probably did not expect so many spotted lanternflies to have descended on the region; they showed up on weather radar this week. See it for yourself and learn why these plant hoppers are dangerous.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says La Niña is likely to form in the coming months and may persist through the winter.

Ghost, a beloved giant Pacific octopus at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, is spending her final days caring for unfertilized eggs that will never hatch as part of her natural life cycle called senescence. The intelligent and charismatic octopus, who grew from 3 pounds to over 50 pounds during her time at the aquarium, has touched the hearts of countless visitors and staff with her playful personality and problem-solving abilities. As Ghost receives an outpouring of love and support on social media, the aquarium has already welcomed a new octopus to continue their mission of educating the public about these remarkable marine creatures.