First tropical storm of 2026 develops: How the Carolinas will be impacted

The first tropical storm of the 2026 hurricane season, Tropical Storm Arthur, developed in the Gulf of America and is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to the Carolinas by Thursday evening. Remnants of the storm could deliver about a half inch of rain to Charlotte, with the worst weather occurring overnight into Friday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a below-normal 2026 hurricane season with 8-14 named storms.