Storm Josephine sparks hurricane-force wind warning as towering 34-foot waves threaten waters off US East Coast

Subtropical Storm Josephine is expected to become a hurricane in just hours, and the powerful cyclone is pounding several states with damaging winds and giant waves. The National Weather Service has issued Coastal Flood alerts along the US East Coast, warning that the storm is expected to bring life-threatening conditions to communities along the Atlantic throughout Thursday. High winds, flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and beach erosion – where winds and tidal waves shrink the beach in an area – are expected to impact North Carolina , Virginia , New Jersey , New York, Connecticut , Rhode Island and Massachusetts through the weekend. Ships in the Atlantic have been warned to prepare for dangerous waves reaching 34 feet high and hurricane-force winds of 75mph. The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to officially turn into a Category 1 hurricane around 2am ET Friday morning as it continues to move up the US East Coast. The slow-moving low-pressure system started as a massive nor' easter fueled by northeast winds over the Atlantic but it turned into a hybrid storm on Wednesday when it moved over the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream. It broke free from the cold weather front that had been feeding it and began developing organized thunderstorms around a warmer center, turning it into a named hurricane as it brushes along the New England coast this weekend. However, its impact is still being felt over 400 miles away in the Mid-Atlantic, where Americans have been warned of potentially deadly rip currents and waves up to 12 feet high hitting the shore. Subtropical Storm Josephine formed on October 21 after moving up the US East Coast as a large nor'easter The New England coast is expected to be impacted by high winds from Subtropical Storm Josephine starting October 22 AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva explained that Josephine may be a hybrid storm, but its impact along the coast can be just as dangerous to anyone in its path. 'When people hear the term subtropical, they may assume it’s a weaker version of a tropical storm, but that’s not necessarily the case,' DaSilva said in a statement. 'These storms can have broad wind fields that produce dangerous surf and coastal impacts far from the storm’s center. Josephine is a reminder that a storm’s classification doesn’t always tell the full story of its potential impacts.' According to NHC, the strongest wind gusts will be felt across New York's Long Island, eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island eastern Massachusetts and along the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine. NWS officials in New York warned: 'Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level [is] expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline.' More than 1.5 million people live on Long Island's eastern side, known as Suffolk County. Cape Cod Bay and Boston are expected to see high winds and rain through Saturday, with hurricane trackers saying there is a near 100 percent certainty the populated area will be impacted by the passing cyclone. To the South, North Carolina and Virginia are still under Coast Flood Warnings, as forecasters said the wide-reaching storm will continue to impact waterfront communities through Thursday. Large waves, tropical storm-force winds and coastal flooding is expected in several states along the US East Coast through the weekend (File Image) Subtropical Storm Josephine is predicted to become a hurricane early Friday morning Read More Ominous haze of ash over America's deadliest volcano sparks fears of an eruption NWS warned that anyone living or visiting these coastal areas should take extra precautions if they go near the water. 'Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries,' the agency said in a statement. Coastal Flood Advisories in New Jersey specifically warned drivers along the coast to steer clear of areas where tidal waves begin to reach roadways. 'Do not leave your vehicle at a location that is prone to tidal flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The water may be deeper than you think it is. You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly repairs,' NWS warned. As Josephine moves north, AccuWeather meteorologists are already focusing on the next potential tropical cyclone developing near the East Coast. Forecasters revealed that a new threat could form near the Bahamas and Florida at some point next week, which would be named Kyle if it reaches tropical storm status.