Coastal Storm Expected to Impact Eastern Seaboard This Weekend
NOAA/STAR has released a satellite image showing shower and thunderstorm activity off the southeastern US coast on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The system is expected to consolidate into a coastal storm that will affect the Eastern Seaboard into the weekend.
According to CNN, a tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the North Carolina and mid-Atlantic coasts. The developing storm could bring gusty winds, heavy rain, dangerous rip currents, and coastal flooding to areas from Florida to New England as it tracks north along the coast. The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm to develop into a tropical storm by Friday and depending on when it is named, it could be called Ophelia or Philippe.
The tropical storm warning spans from just south of Wilmington, North Carolina, to the Maryland-Delaware state line. Tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive in North Carolina on Friday, before pushing into the mid-Atlantic on Saturday. A storm surge watch has also been issued for parts of the same stretch of coastline, with up to 4 feet of surge possible.
In addition to the strong winds and storm surge, the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region. The National Weather Service in Morehead City has warned that eastern North Carolina could experience substantial rainfall from Friday through the weekend, with widespread totals of 4 to 6 inches likely in the far eastern portion of the state. Prolonged, heavy rain could lead to flooding, especially in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
The coastal storm will also bring increased wind speeds, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph expected in coastal areas from the Carolinas to Delaware. These strong winds, coupled with the saturated ground, may cause trees to fall, resulting in property damage and power outages.
The rainfall from the storm will extend hundreds of miles from its center, affecting portions of the mid-Atlantic on Saturday and even parts of New England by Saturday night. While the heaviest rainfall will remain near the coast, inland areas can also expect stormy weather that could disrupt outdoor plans.
As the storm moves north, there will be an elevated risk of dangerous rip currents along much of the East Coast, from Florida to New Jersey. The storm’s strong winds can also lead to coastal flooding for portions of North Carolina northward into New Jersey.
Residents and visitors in the affected areas are encouraged to stay informed about the storm’s progress and follow any evacuation orders or other directives from local authorities. It is important to take necessary precautions to protect life and property during this coastal storm event.