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South Carolina Floods: Record Rainfall, Flooding on East Coast

A storm has hit the East Coast from Florida to the Carolinas and now in the Northeast. The storm, heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding, has rainfall records and made authorities to issue alerts and warnings.

South Carolina Floods: Record Rainfall, Flooding on East Coast

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The storm rainfall in South Carolina, particularly in the waterfront community of Georgetown. Striking between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, more than 9 inches of rain in the area since late Saturday, leading to flooding.

Floodwaters stranded dozens of motorists, prompting authorities to conduct water rescues. The storm’s impact traditional flood-prone areas, creating challenges in regions not accustomed to severe flooding, reminiscent of a tropical storm in an unusual December occurrence.

Charleston faced challenges as the storm propelled tides in Charleston Harbor to their fourth-highest level on record.

The tide surpassed levels associated with non-tropical systems, underlining the severity of the weather event.

Meteorologist Jeff Masters said the impact of rising sea levels, by human-caused climate change, making even moderate storms capable of producing storm surges akin to hurricanes.

With projections indicating an additional 14 inches of sea level rise in Charleston by 2050. In Georgetown, water rescues were conducted on Kiawah and Seabrook islands, addressing the impact of the storm along the South Carolina coast.

Gusty winds led to infrastructure damage, with signs and trees toppling in affected areas. Charleston International Airport reported record-breaking rainfall. Power outages soared, 31,000 in South Carolina, 14,000 in North Carolina, and 11,000 in Florida.

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The storm is forecasted to gain strength as it progresses along the Georgia and Carolina coasts, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds before advancing into New England by Monday morning.

The National Weather Service warns of wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph, a risk of toppling trees, especially in saturated ground conditions.

Road closures and stranded vehicles persist in Charleston and South Carolina’s Lowcountry, with the storm’s impact to ripple along the East Coast through midweek.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued warnings, including 2 to 4 inches of rain, powerful winds, and flooding threats.

Flood watches are in effect across many locations in New York City, with high wind warnings activated around the city and Long Island.

Mayor Eric Adams addressed the importance of preparation, urging residents to anticipate rain-related delays during Monday morning’s commute.

As the storm progresses, colder air behind it is predicted to trigger lake-effect snow across the Great Lakes and into upstate New York.

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Before reaching the East Coast, the storm dumped up to 5 inches of rain across Florida, leading to flooded streets and the cancellation of holiday celebrations.

The storm could offer relief to southwest Florida, facing water restrictions and drought conditions. Coastal advisories were issued in Florida as strong winds churned waters in the Gulf and along the north Atlantic coast.

The National Weather Service has issued flood alerts and warnings across more than a dozen states, affecting approximately 60 million people along the Eastern Seaboard.

The storm’s impact is expected to continue, with heavy rain and strong winds a dangerous commute along the I-95 corridor.

Flash flood warnings escalated to emergencies in some areas, the life-threatening conditions created by the storm’s rainfall.

The storm has left tens of thousands without power, with over 31,000 outages reported in South Carolina, 14,000 in North Carolina, and 11,000 in Florida.

Charleston International Airport recorded over 3 inches of rain in 24 hours, five times the prior record set in 1975.

Flight disruptions are anticipated, and major airports are on high alert as the storm coincides with the busy holiday travel season. Authorities have issued coastal advisories, warning against swimming or boating in turbulent waters.

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