A powerful coastal storm is currently impacting the mid-Atlantic region, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous surf conditions. Residents along the coast, particularly in North Carolina, Virginia, and the Delmarva Peninsula, are being warned of potential flooding and dangerous rip currents.
Storm Impacts and Forecast
- Dangerous Surf: Waves are expected to reach heights of 5 to 10 feet, leading to a high risk of rip currents and potential beach erosion.
- Heavy Rainfall: Accumulations of 1 to 2 inches of rain are anticipated across the Delmarva region through Thursday morning, with some areas potentially seeing up to 3 inches.
- Strong Winds: Northeast winds are gusting between 40 and 50 mph, especially along the coast, contributing to rough sea conditions.
- Coastal Flooding: Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coasts, with up to a foot and a half of inundation possible during high tide cycles.
Weather Progression
The coastal low, which originated off the Carolinas, is expected to move north along the coast before weakening into an open trough by Thursday. While scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast to persist through Wednesday, conditions are predicted to improve by Thursday. By Friday, a dry cold front is expected to usher in a period of quieter and more comfortable weather, with highs reaching the low to mid-80s. The weekend is forecast to be pleasant with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-70s.
Safety and Preparedness
Authorities are urging beachgoers to exercise extreme caution due to the dangerous surf and rip current risk. Coastal residents should stay informed about local advisories and be prepared for potential flooding. While the storm is not expected to produce severe weather, the combination of wind, rain, and high surf poses significant hazards.
Sources
- Coastal storm brings heavy rain, dangerous surf to mid-Atlantic | Latest Weather Clips, FOX Weather.
- Coastal storm lashes Virginia and North Carolina with wind, rain and rough surf | Latest Weather Clips, FOX Weather.
- Coastal low brings heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous surf to Delmarva | Weather, CoastTV.
- Coastal low to bring, rain, wind, high surf, and coastal flooding beginning tonight-Thursday, CoastTV.
- Matt Bromley Has Some Very Good Pointers for Getting Barreled, The Inertia.
