Eric the Red watches the tropics

"...my eyes were drawn to a disturbed area of weather along an old frontal boundary in the Florida Straits.  Well, now it's Friday, and that area of disturbed weather has shifted east, and is now located to the east-northeast of the Bahamas... (upper right on satellite map)

"OK, cool... should just scootch off and out to sea ... Wooo Haaa Haaaa haaaaa......

"Remember our "negative" NAO... the blocking high over the nrn Atlantic?  Yup, the thing that kept blocking all the storms and gave us 3 blizzards and 2 close calls.  Well... it's baaaack.  And as it builds and strengthens, it will prevent our whatever-it-is to the east of the Bahamas from escaping out to sea.  So, this way early heads up is being sent.

"It appears that as upper-level winds become more favorable, a tropical storm or hybrid version of one will begin to take shape early next week.  This system will be pushed slowly to the west and northwest by the blocking high, and would likely begin to impact portions of the central and southern Ataltnic Coast by mid to late next week (Weds-Fri). 

"Most models take it toward the central North Carolina coast.  At this point, it's something to watch and note.  Don't ask me now if it's gonna impact your Memorial Day beach weekend cos you be at the Surf 'N Sands Condo on 132nd, 3rd floor Ocean Front (2nd door down on the left from the elevator).  I haven't a clue.  But this is the time of year when old frontal boundaries can generate tropical storms, and this one fits the bill.  I'm sure there are lots of folks with plans, so I'll keep ya posted. - E."

AccuWeather.com also sees a tropical threat to the southeast coast next week.