Coastal Flooding Threatens Carolinas as Multiple Storm Systems Develop
Coastal areas of the Carolinas are facing increased flood risk due to a combination of unusually high “king tides” and a developing coastal storm currently without a name. Simultaneously, tropical storms are active in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, bringing potential hazards to Mexico and the U.S. Southwest.
In Charleston,south Carolina,approximately a dozen streets experienced flooding Friday,prompting the city to offer free parking in select garages. Forecasters predicted a high tide of 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) - the 13th highest recorded in Charleston harbor’s history - Friday morning. The unnamed coastal storm,coupled with these king tides (occurring when the moon is closest to Earth),is expected to bring several days of strong winds and potential coastal flooding,notably to North Carolina’s Outer Banks and the Charleston area.
Highway N.C.12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands is anticipated to be impacted by ocean overwash, possibly leading to closures through the weekend.
Across the Pacific, Tropical Storm Priscilla is located approximately 190 miles (300 kilometers) west-northwest of Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico, and moving north at 6 mph (9 kph) with sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph).It poses a threat of flash flooding to the U.S. Southwest, with flood watches issued for parts of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Tropical storm Raymond is also active in the Pacific, with a tropical storm warning in effect from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. Raymond, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (97 kph), is forecast to remain off the Mexican coast before approaching Baja California sur over the weekend.
In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm jerry is passing east of the northern Leeward Islands, bringing heavy rainfall. Guadeloupe has warned of potential power outages,and Antigua and Barbuda experienced widespread flooding,leading to school and business closures. Jerry, centered about 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of the northern Leeward Islands, has sustained winds of 80 mph (95 kph) and is moving northwest at 17 mph (27 kph). A tropical storm warning is in effect for St. Barts and St. Martin, with forecasts predicting Jerry will strengthen into a hurricane Saturday.
Further out in the Atlantic, Subtropical Storm Karen has formed, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph). subtropical storms differ from tropical storms in that they have a wider zone of strong winds extending from their center.
Meteorologists note that approximately seven weeks remain in the Atlantic hurricane season and that the return of the la Niña climate pattern – which can intensify hurricane activity – may have global weather impacts, including altered rainfall patterns and drought conditions.
