Storm surges could generate water three to five feet (one to 1.5 meters) above the ground. (File)
Myrtle Beach:
Tropical Storm Isaias was expected to regain hurricane strength on Monday before hitting the U.S. east coast, causing deadly storm surges in North and South Carolina.
The storm, currently 60 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, was blowing sustained winds of 70 miles (100 kilometers) per hour, with wind speeds expected to increase during the day.
Isaias is expected to “make landfall tonight like a hurricane with dangerous winds and a storm surge,” the National Hurricane Center said, adding that the storm would likely hit near the North Carolina-South Carolina border.
Storm surges could generate water three to five feet (one to 1.5 meters) above the ground.
The storm will then follow the East Coast, with heavy rains expected to cause flash flooding in the mid-Atlantic states and bring high winds to Washington, Philadelphia and New York on Tuesday.
Residents of flood-prone areas “should take all necessary measures to protect life and property from rising waters and the potential for other dangerous conditions,” said the National Hurricane Center.
In the hurricane warning zone, “preparations to protect life and property must be rushed to completion,” he added.
President Donald Trump has announced that he has issued emergency declarations for Florida and the two Carolinas to free up federal funds.
“Everyone must remain vigilant,” he warned at a press conference.
“I encourage everyone to follow state and local authority guidelines,” he said, adding that the guidelines were “very specific so far.”
“So be careful,” he added.
‘Pack your masks’
The Carolinas have seen a recent surge in coronavirus cases as the United States struggles to curb the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
“We in North Carolina mostly know what to do,” state Governor Roy Cooper said on Sunday.
“You prepare your emergency kit, follow local evacuation orders, stay in a safe place and never drive on flooded roads.
“But this time, put your masks and hand sanitizers in your kit and don’t forget to walk away.
Up to 150 National Guard soldiers have been activated to help prepare for the storm and help if needed, Cooper said.
Isaias had previously been demoted from a Category 1 hurricane after passing Florida, leaving her relatively unscathed.
Some coronavirus testing centers – many housed in tents – were closed last week in the Sunshine State as the storm approached.
They have now started to gradually reopen, according to local media.
Florida has become the epicenter of the US viral crisis, which has already claimed nearly 155,000 lives nationwide.
The state reported 77 deaths from COVID-19 on Sunday, up from a record 179 the day before, bringing its total to 6,920.
The storm threw torrential rains over the Bahamas, chopping down trees and flooding streets, before emergency management officials gave the country “all the clarity” on Sunday.
At least one person has died in Puerto Rico and the storm also hit Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
