Storm System Brings Flooding to East Coast, Rescue Efforts in Alaska
A potent storm system, the remnants of Typhoon Merbok, delivered a double blow this weekend, triggering dozens of rescues in Alaska adn causing significant coastal flooding from Virginia to New Jersey. Forecasters warned of major coastal flooding Monday in the mid-Atlantic, notably with strong onshore winds, high surf, and high tides expected to peak Monday afternoon and gradually improve by Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The system transitioned into a nor’easter as it moved up the East Coast, washing out roads and causing air travel delays. Dangerous surf conditions persisted Monday, generating strong rip currents and beach erosion along many East Coast beaches, with wind gusts exceeding 55 mph (89 kph) possible along New jersey, Long Island, and southern New England through Monday afternoon. New jersey declared a state of emergency starting Saturday night, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an emergency declaration for eight southern counties Sunday evening, urging residents to monitor forecasts and avoid travel.The Columbus Day Parade in New York City was canceled as a precaution.
Further south, Delaware activated it’s National Guard Sunday in response to rising floodwaters and strong winds, issuing a voluntary evacuation order for Bowers Beach due to flooding from the Murderkill River. In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, ocean overwash closed portions of Highway 12 near Buxton, where crews worked to clear the roadway after closures on ocracoke and Hatteras on Sunday. The area has experienced significant storm damage this season, and several beachfront homes in Buxton are threatened by erosion, with one house appearing close to collapse.
meanwhile, in Alaska, the remnants of Typhoon Merbok prompted numerous water rescues along the western coast.Coast Guard and local authorities responded to reports of stranded residents in several communities, including Nome and Hooper Bay. Dozens were rescued from floodwaters as the storm surge impacted coastal areas.
