ABC6 Chief Meteorologist Debunks East Coast Monster Storm Hype

If you’ve scrolled through Facebook this week, chances are you’ve seen posts warning about a “storm of the century” forming off the East Coast. However, according to ABC6 Chief Meteorologist Kristina Shalhoup, those doom-and-gloom predictions are way overblown.

Where Did the Monster Storm Rumors Start?

“The social media posts kill me,” she admitted with a laugh on The MGM Show. “Just because a system looks big doesn’t mean it’s going to be impactful.”

Shalhoup explained that two systems have drawn attention online. One, Humberto, is currently a hurricane but is expected to stay well out to sea, likely bringing only minor impacts like rip currents and bigger waves for surfers.

The other is an area of showers and storms near the Dominican Republic that could strengthen into a tropical depression, storm, or even a hurricane in the coming days.

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What the Forecast Really Shows

While that system is worth monitoring, Shalhoup stressed that the most likely impacts would be felt farther south, such as in the Carolinas and parts of the Mid-South, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and coastal flooding possible.

“We’re still days away from knowing its track, so things could change,” she said. “But right now, this isn’t the ‘monster storm’ social media is hyping.”

Shalhoup reminded listeners that we just passed the peak of hurricane season, so storms in late September and October aren’t unusual. Still, she prefers a calm, realistic approach.

“Prepared, not scared. That’s what I like to say,” she noted. “Ignore those Facebook posts and stick with credible forecasts.”