Tropical Storm Fay has formed just east of the North Carolina Coast. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida will initiate advisories for this new storm at 5pm ET today.

The formation of the 6th storm of the season, given an “F” name by the National Hurricane Center, typically occurs later in the season. Today’s formation of Tropical Storm Fay makes it the earliest an “F” storm has formed in the Atlantic basin on record. The previous record was  Franklin which formed on July 22 in 2005.

Fay is expected to impact portions of the Mid Atlantic and New England coast beginning later tomorrow. Flooding heavy rains, strong winds, rough surf, and coastal flooding will be possible from this compact tropical cyclone.