Title: Impending Tropical Storm Threatens the East Coast with Heavy Rainfall
Subtitle: Potential Tropical Storm 16 poses risks of flooding and storm surge
BOSTON – As the East Coast braces for the second weekend in a row of tropical weather, the WBZ Weather Team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for the possibility of heavy rainfall associated with an approaching tropical storm.
On Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began issuing advisories on “Potential Tropical Storm 16,” an area of disturbed weather off the southeast coastline with a 50% chance of developing into a tropical storm. The storm’s center is currently located approximately 355 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and is drifting northward at a speed of about 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
According to the official NHC forecast, the system is expected to intensify and become Tropical Storm Ophelia by Friday morning, gaining strength throughout the day. The storm is projected to make landfall along the coastal region of North Carolina early on Saturday.
Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect from Cape Fear, N.C. to Fenwick Island, Delaware, with concerns of a 2-4 foot storm surge and potential coastal and inland flooding.
Forecasts indicate that areas between North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic can expect at least 3-6 inches of rain. However, there is some discrepancy among models regarding the impact on New England. Southern New England could see between 1-3 inches of rain, which may lead to renewed flooding in certain areas.
The heaviest rainfall is anticipated to occur on Saturday midday through evening, with another round expected later on Sunday into Monday.
Regardless of whether the storm system attains official tropical status, it is expected to bring significant rainfall up the East Coast over the weekend. Given the unpredictable nature of tropical systems, it is crucial for residents to stay updated with the latest forecasts in the next 24 to 48 hours. WBZ-TV, CBS News Boston, and WBZ.com will provide continuous updates on the situation.
In conclusion, residents and authorities in the affected regions should remain vigilant and prepared for potential flooding, storm surge, and heavy rainfall associated with the impending tropical storm.