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.

Even the atmosphere hits roadblocks sometimes, and this week’s forecast is a great example of an atmospheric weather pattern known as a Rex blocking pattern.

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