Tropical Storm Isaias causes casualties and damage throughout East Coast on August 4
Category: Transportation
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
08/05/2020 (United States) - Tropical Storm Isaias has caused damage and disruption throughout the East Coast of the US on Tuesday, August 4. The storm, which was downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane after making landfall in North Carolina, has moved northwards along the coast and into Vermont. At least 2.8 million residents along the East Coast have been left without power, with the storm causing tornadoes, floods, and fires, as well as uprooting trees and damaging homes. Transportation has been affected, with New York canceling outdoor trains and subway services, and flights being canceled throughout the East Coast. At least four people have been killed, with two fatalities reported in North Carolina caused by a tornado in a trailer park; the two other deaths occurred in New York and Maryland and were caused by trees falling on vehicles.
As of 20:00 (local time), Isaias was located 10 km (5 miles) west of Rutland (Vermont), moving north-by-northeast at 65 kph (40 mph), with maximum sustained winds of 80 kph (50 mph).
A tropical storm warning is in effect between Watch Hill (Rhode Island) and Stonington (Maine), as well as on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (Massachusetts), and Block Island (Rhode Island). States of emergencies are in place in several US states, as well as in some coastal counties.
Further rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas are expected along the East Coast in the near term.
Context
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
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