Crisfield, Md. – In a relentless onslaught, post-tropical cyclone Ophelia continues to wreak havoc along the Mid-Atlantic coast, unleashing heavy rains and flash flooding from Washington, D.C. to New York. Here’s what you need to know about this weather event:
Flash Flood Risk Remains High
Ophelia’s Lingering Threat
As Ophelia transitions into a post-tropical cyclone, it still poses a significant risk of flash flooding in multiple areas. The National Hurricane Center’s final advisory, issued at 5 a.m. ET on Sunday, warns that the Mid-Atlantic to southern New England could receive between 1 to 3 inches of rainfall.
> "The swells generated by Ophelia will likely continue to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the East Coast," the advisory stated.
Ongoing Impact and Coastal Flooding
From Maryland to New Jersey
Despite its downgrade, Ophelia’s impact persists. Coastal flooding remains a threat in parts of the Chesapeake Bay, while heavy rain from the storm poses a risk of flash flooding from Virginia to New Jersey. This raises concerns as floods have become more frequent and severe due to extreme precipitation and sea-level rise caused by climate change.
Power Outages and Emergency Declarations
States Take Precautionary Measures
As of Sunday afternoon, nearly 8,000 customers in Maryland and 4,700 customers in Pennsylvania were without power, according to PowerOutage.US, which tracks outages nationwide. The severity of the storm prompted governors of Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia to declare a state of emergency on Friday.
Landfall and Record Rainfall
Devastating Impact
Ophelia made landfall near Emerald Isle, N.C. at around 6:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, with maximum winds of 70 mph. As it moved through central North Carolina, winds reaching 20 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph caused downed trees and additional power outages. Raleigh set a historic record with over 3 inches of rain on Saturday, breaking a daily record that stood since 1906.
> "Fuquay-Varina, a town south of Raleigh, received nearly 5 inches of rainfall," according to the National Weather Service.
Central and Southern Virginia Affected
Rainfall Accumulation
Over the weekend, parts of central and southern Virginia saw significant rainfall, with accumulation ranging between 3 and 5 inches. A coastal flood advisory was also issued for Delaware beaches until 9 p.m. ET, with the National Weather Service expecting over a foot of rising water near shorelines and tidal waterways.
In the wake of post-tropical cyclone Ophelia’s onslaught, the Northeast is grappling with heavy rain, flash floods, power outages, and record-breaking rainfall. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to exercise caution and stay safe.
For more updates on "Post-tropical cyclone Ophelia unleashes heavy rain across Northeast," stay tuned to local weather advisories and news sources.
Mitigating the Impact of Severe Weather Events
Did Hurricane Ophelia hit New York?
Unraveling the Impact
The remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia, originally a hurricane, joined forces with a mid-latitude system converging from the west. This convergence occurred during a season when oceanic conditions are primed for storm activity. The result was a powerful and persistent weather system that blanketed New York for a substantial 12-hour duration.
While not a direct landfall of Hurricane Ophelia, the combination of these atmospheric factors led to significant weather disturbances and heavy rainfall in New York. This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather systems and their potential impact on coastal regions.
Was Ophelia a cyclone?
Understanding Ophelia’s Nature
Ophelia, originally a tropical storm, underwent a transformation and was officially downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone. On Saturday, this altered weather system unleashed its fury, featuring high winds that left thousands without power. Additionally, it brought heavy rains and storm surges, causing significant roadway flooding in portions of the Mid-Atlantic.
So, yes, Ophelia was indeed a cyclone, albeit in its post-tropical phase, and its impact was keenly felt in the affected regions, showcasing the dynamic nature of such weather phenomena.
What level of hurricane was Ophelia?
Tracking Ophelia’s Strength
Hurricane Ophelia exhibited Category 3 strength on October 1, 2011. In 2017, it made meteorological history by becoming the most eastern Category 3 hurricane ever observed via satellite technology. Initially, Ophelia followed a somewhat unusual path, remaining relatively confined within a small section of the Atlantic for six days before eventually veering eastward and then northeastward towards Europe.
In summary, Hurricane Ophelia achieved Category 3 status, signifying its considerable power and potential impact during its notable journey through the Atlantic.
Where is tropical storm Ophelia?
Tracking Ophelia’s Path
Tropical Storm Ophelia maintained a steady northward trajectory before ultimately making landfall in Emerald Island, North Carolina. This landfall occurred on Saturday, September 23, at 6:20 AM. Ophelia arrived as a formidable tropical storm, packing winds with speeds of 70 mph.
So, as of the provided information, Ophelia’s location was in Emerald Island, North Carolina, when it made its significant impact.
What type of hurricane was Ophelia?
category 3 hurricane
Unveiling Ophelia’s Historic Strength
Ophelia carved its place in history as an extraordinary hurricane, marking a significant milestone. Dr. Hickey, a meteorologist, noted that Ophelia was classified as a Category 3 hurricane, making it the most powerful eastern Atlantic hurricane on record. This distinction is particularly noteworthy, considering the historical hurricane data dates back to the mid-1800s.
Furthermore, Ophelia’s presence in the Atlantic unfolded during one of the most intense hurricane seasons in over a century, boasting 10 hurricanes within just 10 weeks. This meteorological fact underscores the exceptional nature of Hurricane Ophelia.
What happened after Storm Ophelia?
Aftermath of a Powerful Tempest
Following the impact of Storm Ophelia, a ‘Status Red – Severe Weather Warning – Take Action’ was issued, signifying the need for immediate protective measures. The storm’s consequences were profound, with widespread power outages, roofs lifted from buildings, numerous trees toppled, and coastal areas experiencing flooding, particularly in Ireland.
Tragically, the toll of Storm Ophelia extended to the loss of three lives, highlighting the severity of the storm’s impact on affected regions.
