A brewing tropical storm, known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen, is expected to bring strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall to the mid-Atlantic states from Friday through the weekend. The storm, currently located off the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina, has reached tropical storm strength with sustained winds of 65 kph. A storm surge watch has been issued, with surges between 91 centimeters and 1.5 meters forecast for parts of North Carolina. The storm is currently referred to as Potential Tropical Cyclone 16, as it has not yet been given a name.

Meteorologist Maria Torres from the National Hurricane Center in Miami is urging residents along the Atlantic coast to closely monitor the storm's progress, gather necessary supplies, and make preparations for its arrival. She warns that the storm will bring tropical storm force winds, storm surge, and high winds to the East Coast through the weekend, particularly affecting the Southeast to the Mid-Atlantic states. A tropical storm warning has been issued from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to Fenwick Island, Delaware, including the Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.

In addition to the brewing tropical storm, North Carolina is also at risk of large swells from Hurricane Nigel, which could result in increased rip current risks, ocean overwash, beach erosion, and coastal flooding. Storm surge warnings are in effect from Duck, North Carolina, to Chincoteague, Virginia.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Nigel is moving towards cooler North Atlantic waters as a Category 1 storm. It is expected to weaken and become "extratropical." Nigel is currently located about 1,125 kilometers northwest of the Azores.

The combination of Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen and Hurricane Nigel poses a significant threat to the mid-Atlantic states. Potential impacts include potentially life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain leading to flash flooding, and strong winds. The storm system is expected to bring several inches of rain from Florida to the Northeast and New England, with rainfall totals between 2-4 inches and locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches across the mid-Atlantic states. Power outages are also a concern due to strong winds that could bring down trees and power lines.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the coast of North Carolina within the warning area on Friday and will gradually spread northward over the weekend. Residents are advised to stay updated on the storm's progress and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.