Tens Of Millions In Tropical Storm Isaias’ Path, Including New York, Philadelphia And D.C.

TOPLINE

Cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Washington D.C. are all likely to feel impacts in the next few days from Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to remain a tropical storm as it moves across the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast and New England, possibly bringing “life-threatening” storm surge to parts of the U.S. East Coast.

KEY FACTS

CRITICAL QUOTE

“Flash and urban flooding, some of which may be significant in the coastal Carolinas and Virginia, is expected through midweek along and near the path of Isaias across the East Coast of the United States,” the National Hurricane Center said.

Rainfall of 3-5 inches, with some totals reaching 7 inches, are generally expected in the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic. Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches, with isolated amounts of 6 inches, are generally expected in southern New York and New England.

KEY BACKGROUND

Tropical Storm Isaias was Hurricane Isaias for over 36 hours Friday into Saturday, bringing 85 mph sustained winds to parts of the Bahamas, damaging roofs and knocking down trees. The storm is continuing to bring heavy rain to the Bahamas, leading to concerns of flash flooding. Isaias flooded homes as it made its way near Puerto Rico last week.

TANGENT

Isaias is the earliest a ninth storm has formed since record keeping began in 1851, continuing the what has been a record pace the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been on.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring another system over the Atlantic that could possibly develop. Forecasters give it a 60% chance of developing over the next five days, on a track generally taking it toward Bermuda.

FURTHER READING

Florida Shuts Testing Centres As Storm Looms, Just As State Shatters Coronavirus Deaths Record (Forbes)

Hurricane Isaias Rakes the Bahamas on a Track for Florida’s East Coast (The New York Times)

Tropical Storm Isaias Batters Puerto Rico, On Track Toward Florida And The East Coast (Forbes)