US weather warning: Trio of terrifying storms prompts fresh alert for East Coast of America

But a fourth storm brewing in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico is the one experts say could unleash weather hell on the US this week.

Jim Dale, US weather correspondent and meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “This fourth system near the Carolinas seems to have just come out of nowhere, but this is the one we are going to watch.

“This has the potential to develop into something that could bring wind and rain to the region through the start of the new week.

“It is almost a repeat of Ophelia and is one to watch.”

The US National Hurricane Centre (NOAA) has in the wake of Hurricane Lee and Hurricane Nigel flagged three more tropical systems amid a relentless storm season.

US meteorologists are urging people to be prepared for further strong winds and rain this week, particularly around North and South Carolina, and the east coast.

A spokesman for The Weather Channel said: “Philippe is going to leap by leaps and bounds over the next couple of days.

“There is another area of potential development may take the same path as Philippe, so hopefully staying away from any land areas.

“But you can't let your guard down, make sure your hurricane kits are still stocked and ready to go.”

The storm will follow the path of Tropical Storm Ophelia whose remnants are expected to bring heavy rain to north-eastern States.

Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Baltimore, New York, Bridgeport, Nantucket and parts of New England are all on alert for downpours.

Regions most at risk are on alert for flooding with up to four inches of rain possible in a short time, according to The Weather Channel,

A spokesman said: “New York City has a surplus when it comes to rainfall and in Philadelphia, we could see some flooding.

“Still to come, anywhere from one to two inches up and down the Hudson River valley pockets, and three to four not out of the question in the Catskills and Poconos.

“Boston is looking at the lighter amounts.”

Philippe is expected to gather strength over the coming days while heading northwards in the Atlantic.

Rain from post Tropical Cyclone Ophelia ‘continues to pose a risk’ to New York and Washington DC, according to The NOAA.

A separate low-pressure system off the coast of Africa is expected to form into a stronger storm later this week, it added.

A spokesman said: “A small area of low pressure with disorganized shower activity has formed several hundred miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands.

“Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for gradual development, and a tropical depression could form around midweek while the system moves westward to west-north-westward across the central tropical Atlantic.”