Tropical Storm Idalia Sweeps Through Southeastern US
Tropical Storm Idalia continued its impactful journey through the Southeast on Thursday, making its way to North Carolina after causing havoc across South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida on the previous day.
Authorities in North Carolina issued warnings as the storm approached, urging residents to stay away from coastal travel due to anticipated flooding and strong winds, as reported by FOX Weather.
Significant portions of eastern North Carolina and the state’s coastline remain under multiple alerts through Thursday night. Idalia is projected to bring winds reaching 55 mph, storm surges of up to three feet, and an average rainfall of four to 10 inches. There’s also a risk of tornadoes in the southeastern part of the state until 9 a.m.
“Those in vulnerable oceanfront homes that lack adequate dune protection should relocate,” emphasized Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson. He advised taking steps to safeguard vehicles and property in flood-prone areas.
Idalia’s Impact in the Carolinas After Wreaking Havoc
Tropical Storm Idalia, after making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend, weakened during its journey through Florida and Georgia. However, it still maintained winds of up to 60 mph upon entering South Carolina, according to FOX Weather.
Idalia’s presence led to tide levels rising to 9.23 feet in Charleston Harbor, causing flooding in the historic city and erosion along the Carolina coast. While no injuries were reported in South Carolina by Thursday morning, several vehicles were stranded in floodwaters.
The storm also generated short-lived tornadoes in South Carolina, one of which overturned a car in Goose Creek, causing minor injuries.
Idalia’s Devastation Across Coastal States
Idalia struck near Keaton Bend, Florida, causing catastrophic storm surges, severe flooding, and damage due to its powerful 125 mph winds.
Although there were no direct hurricane-related deaths in Florida, the state’s Highway Patrol reported two fatalities in weather-related accidents shortly before Idalia’s landfall.
In Valdosta, Georgia, a man tragically lost his life when a falling tree struck him as he tried to clear another tree from a road. This incident also injured two others, including a sheriff’s deputy.
Savannah, Georgia, experienced uprooted trees and wind gusts of up to 52 mph as Idalia swept through, as noted by the National Weather Service in Charleston.
Response and Outlook
President Biden reached out to the governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to assure them of his administration’s full support during this challenging time, according to the White House.
As the storm heads into the Atlantic Ocean, its impact is expected to diminish, gradually alleviating the concerns brought about by Tropical Storm Idalia’s passage.
[Contributions by The Associated Press]