Tropical Storm Dolly, the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, has formed.
The name is not associated with Dolly Parton, the country music icon who died Aug. 25.
The national hurricane center issued an advisory that Tropical Storm Dolly had formed in the central Atlantic at 10 a.m. on Aug. 27.
It's too early to determine what potential impacts the system might bring to the Wilmington area. While conditions such as dry air and wind shear might break up the cyclone as it moves westward, the system could still bring tropical impacts, including wind and rain, to the southeastern U.S., and Wilmington residents should remain prepared.
Tropical Storm Dolly
As of 11 a.m. Aug. 27, the hurricane center was forecasting that Dolly would no longer be a hurricane when
it passes the Leeward Islands on Saturday or Sunday.
However, a report from AccuWeather said the storm could "awaken from dormancy" later on if it runs north of Cuba. If that happens, it could be a concern for the southeastern U.S.
Weather forecast in Wilmington
Here's the weather forecast in Wilmington for the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.
- Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
- Saturday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
- Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
North Carolina weather radar
What supplies do I need for hurricane season?
It's best to have a basic emergency supply kit prepared well before a hurricane gets close and supplies start flying off the shelves at local stores.
A kit should include several days of nonperishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio, chargers, and basic hygiene items.
Other useful items could include:
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Cash, since ATMs, card readers and banks can go offline in a power outage
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at ckingree@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Tropical Storm Dolly forms. Will it impact Wilmington?
