High winds and heavy rainfall recorded across first 3 states impacted
Tropical Storm Idalia continues to wreak havoc as it moves across the Carolinas, with high winds and heavy rainfall impacting the region. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday morning, has caused significant precipitation in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Tropical Storm Idalia currently has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The center of the storm is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and is moving northeast at a speed of 21 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles from the center.
The hurricane center warns that there is little change in strength expected over the next 48 hours, and Idalia is anticipated to remain a tropical storm as it moves off the coast. However, the impact of the storm is already felt in the affected states.
According to data compiled from the Weather Prediction Center, several areas have received significant amounts of rainfall. Hampton, South Carolina, recorded 9.61 inches of rainfall, while Clearwater Beach, Florida, recorded 9.40 inches. Newton, Georgia, in the southwestern part of the state, experienced 9.31 inches of rainfall.
In addition to heavy rainfall, high winds have also been reported. Perry-Foley Airport in Florida recorded wind speeds of up to 85 mph during the storm, while Valdosta Regional Airport in Georgia experienced winds of up to 67 mph.
As the storm progresses, certain warnings and watches have been modified. The storm surge and tropical storm warnings south of South Santee River in South Carolina have been discontinued. However, a tropical storm warning remains in effect from South Santee River northward to the North Carolina/Virginia border, including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.
Furthermore, a storm surge watch has been issued for Beaufort Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet in North Carolina, as well as the Neuse and Pamlico rivers.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay tuned to local weather updates and follow any evacuation orders or safety recommendations. The impact of Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to persist for the next few days.