Cities on the East Coast brace for severe storms and heavy rain
As a major storm system sweeps across the East Coast, cities from Florida to Maine are preparing for torrential rain, high winds, and severe thunderstorms.
The system has already brought significant impacts to Florida and South Carolina over the weekend, with coastal flooding in the Tampa Bay area and power outages affecting more than 33,000 customers in the state. However, power has been gradually restored to affected areas.
South Carolina is also experiencing power outages, with more than 8,000 customers affected. The state’s largest power provider, Santee Cooper, is working to address the outages as safely as possible. Dangerous flooding is developing across the lower South Carolina coast, leading to road closures and flash flood warnings.
In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is preparing for heavy rain and high wind gusts, which may lead to the removal of fallen trees from train tracks. The MTA has banned empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks on bridges and in tunnels in anticipation of the storm. Mayor Eric Adams has issued a travel advisory for Sunday and Monday, warning of likely coastal flooding up to 1 or 2 feet by Sunday night.
Parts of Maine are also expecting significant rainfall and strong, potentially damaging winds, as well as the possibility of coastal and inland flooding. The National Weather Service for Portland and Gray is providing updates on the evolving weather conditions.
As the storm continues to impact various regions along the East Coast, residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for the severe weather conditions.
Angela Yang Reporting for NBC News