The National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring Subtropical Storm Josephine on Wednesday, Oct. 21, after the system developed from Invest 93‑L off the U.S. east coast. As of the 5 p.m. advisory, the storm was positioned roughly 265 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and about 585 miles southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Josephine is currently producing maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and is tracking north at a speed of 6 mph. While the storm is classified as subtropical rather than fully tropical, it still poses a weather threat to the northeastern United States. Local forecasters note that the strongest winds are displaced farther from the center compared with a typical hurricane, and that the system draws energy both from warm ocean waters and from the collision of warm and cold air masses.
What makes a subtropical storm different?
WPBF 25 First Warning Meteorologist Glenn Glazer explained, “A subtropical storm is a little bit different than a tropical storm or a hurricane because it’s built differently. A tropical system has the strongest winds around the center of the storm, and it gets its energy from the heat of the ocean. A subtropical storm gets some energy from the heat of the ocean, but also from colliding warm and cold air masses that are around the storm. It gets its spin and it almost looks empty in the center. The strongest winds are farther away from the center.”
Glazer added that the winds from Josephine are already affecting the New England coastline, bringing gusts that could disrupt outdoor activities, marine traffic, and small‑boat operations. Residents in coastal towns are being urged to secure loose items, monitor local forecasts, and heed any advisories from emergency management officials.
Impact and safety guidance
Although Josephine is not projected to threaten South Florida, the storm’s proximity to the Atlantic seaboard means that parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York could experience periods of gusty winds, higher surf, and brief periods of heavy rain. The NHC advises mariners to stay clear of the storm’s projected path and to follow updates from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Local emergency managers recommend that residents:
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that could become projectiles.
- Avoid nonessential travel on coastal roads during periods of strong wind.
- Stay informed through the WPBF 25 News app or other trusted weather sources for real‑time alerts.
Because subtropical storms can transition to fully tropical systems, forecasters will continue to monitor Josephine closely over the next 48 hours. The NHC will issue regular advisories detailing any changes in intensity, track, or potential impacts.
Looking ahead
Josephine marks the 10th named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, underscoring an active period for tropical and subtropical cyclones. While the storm’s current strength remains below hurricane level, its development highlights the importance of preparedness along the Atlantic coast, especially as the season progresses into its peak months.
For the latest updates, residents should stay tuned to WPBF 25 on‑air and online, and consider downloading the WPBF 25 News app for the most up‑to‑date weather alerts.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
