A historically intense December coastal storm is wreaking havoc from Florida to New England as it unleashes excessive rainfall, coastal flooding, and high winds. As of Monday morning, over 400,000 customers were without power in the Northeast, with widespread gusts topping 50 mph and expected to grow even stronger.
The storm’s fierce winds and enormous waves have caused ocean surges comparable to tropical storms and hurricanes in many locations from Florida’s west coast to southern New England. Water levels rose at least 2 to 4 feet above normal in many areas, causing inundation of low-lying roadways.
Significant storm surge heights were recorded in multiple locations, with Charleston, S.C., Tampa, and the Battery in New York City experiencing high storm surges. The storm has also been a prolific rainfall producer, resulting in widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches and locally considerably higher amounts. Record-setting rain levels were reported in various areas, prompting flash flood emergencies and water rescues as residents scrambled to higher ground.
The unprecedented storm has also spawned severe thunderstorms and a damaging tornado near Myrtle Beach. The damaging twister caused significant damage in the Socastee-Forestbrook area of South Carolina.
The flooding has subsided in the Carolinas, but flood concerns are growing worse in New York State and the Hudson Valley. Flash-flood warnings have been issued for multiple areas, and additional rains were still coming down.
The storm has also been accompanied by extremely strong winds, pushing record low air pressures in numerous locations across the Southeast. Wind advisories and high wind warnings have been issued for various regions in New England.
As of Monday, the center of the storm was located in northern New York, intensifying and strengthening, thereby increasing strong winds and heavy downpours. Rainfall is expected to ease into the evening hours, but a strengthening jet stream will continue to bolster strong winds.
Intensifying winds and rain conditions are expected to continue into the afternoon and evening, impacting areas from the Northeast to New England. In southern New England, heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms were expected, with flash flood warnings in place.
The lingering storm has caused unprecedented ocean surges, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong winds from Florida to New England. The situation remains serious and will likely continue to impact the region for some time.
In addition, the storm’s backside is expected to bring snow showers and heavy snows to the high terrain of West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and other regions, with the likelihood of snow showers in urban areas as well.