Torrential Rains From Tropical Storm Nicole Causes Flood Concerns along Eastern Seaboard

Rain from what is left of Tropical Storm Nicole has merged with a stalled front and it is producing unusually heavy amounts of rain and widespread flooding all along the eastern seaboard. The system also spurned the threat of tornadoes for several areas including Washington, D.C., where this morning’s commute has already been affected by the inclement weather. A Washington D.C., a Metro bus crash involving some high school students resulted in a few non-serious injuries during the downpour this morning.

The National Weather Service is warning residents all over the east coast that heavy rain of up to seven inches or more is predicted for the rest of today and into tomorrow. The service also has issued a tornado watch for portions of the mid-Atlantic region and the eastern Carolina through later today. This storm broke a record in Wilmington North Carolina as it has dumped twenty-one inches of rain there, causing widespread flooding.

Urban and low-lying areas are at the most risk for flooding. Also in peril are homes and businesses located near small streams and rivers that rise quickly in response to heavy downpours. Even large rivers will rise and could quickly go over flood stage since this storm system is over a very large area of the eastern United States. Plus, this storm is dumping more water on areas that were soaked earlier this week.

Besides the heavy rain and threat of tornadoes, this storm is expected to pick up more wind strength. Gale warnings and high wind watches are already in effect for many coastal communities and the combination of heavy winds and waves is expected to cause coastal flood dangers. Officials in the eastern portion of North Carolina evacuated about seventy people overnight from a mobile home park in Kinston because of high water. Many residents were unable to drive away and instead were seen walking to drier land to await rescue.

Although Tropical Storm Nicole was short-lived, it did her share of damage as it left a trail of destruction behind. Several inches of rain fell in the southern portion of Florida which resulted in many flooded areas stretching from Fort Lauderdale to Miami-Dade County. The storm wreaked havoc in Jamaica and is responsible for at least one death there.

Residents all along the eastern portion of the United States are being told to use common sense and caution during the heavy rain storms. It is not adviseable to drive or walk on water covered roadways. It is advised that residents in low lying and urban areas check with local officials to find out where they can get sandbagging material to help secure their homes and businesses.