Title:
Tropical Storm-Like System Brings Historic Rainfall to Carolina Coast

Article:
A storm system off the coast of the Carolinas is causing major concerns as it brings heavy rainfall reminiscent of Tropical Storm Debby, which struck the region last month. Although not officially classified as a tropical storm, the system, known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, is generating what forecasters are describing as "historic rainfall" as it spins its way toward land.

The storm is expected to make landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina, later today, posing a serious threat of floods and storm surge along the Carolina coast. Flash flooding has already been reported in southeastern North Carolina, where over half a foot of rain has fallen since midnight. Forecasters warn that substantial flash flooding is likely to continue, with an additional four to eight inches of rainfall possible throughout the afternoon.

In August, Tropical Storm Debby brought more than a foot of rain to some areas of the Carolinas, causing vehicle submergence and posing risks to waste sites. While forecasters did not initially expect as much rain from this storm, some locations have already received nearly 15 inches of rain since midnight, exceeding the highest recorded rainfall during Debby.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina has seen over 18 inches of rain since midnight, surpassing the amount that fell during Debby. Meteorologists out of Wilmington, North Carolina consider this level of rainfall within a 12-hour period to be a one-in-a-thousand-year event. As a result, tropical storm warnings have been issued from south of Charleston, South Carolina, to north of Wilmington, North Carolina.

In response to the severe weather conditions, schools in New Hanover County and Brunswick County have released students early and canceled classes. Local television station WECT has shown footage of vehicles stuck in floodwaters, as well as road closures. In Brunswick County, several roads have collapsed or partially collapsed, leading to closures. The county government offices have declared a state of emergency and remain closed.

Officials in the city of Southport, North Carolina have closed roads to incoming traffic and instructed residents to shelter in place at their homes or places of work. With the storm's center nearing land, it is expected to weaken but still maintain tropical storm-force winds of over 39 mph, along with higher gusts. Additionally, a storm surge of one to three feet is anticipated along the coast.

Although forecasters have low confidence in the exact details of where the heaviest rain will fall, they predict that most of it will occur near or north of the storm's center. Expected rainfall totals range from four to eight inches, with a few areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches in North Carolina.

While typical storms receive their energy from the interaction of cold and warm air masses, tropical cyclones like storms and hurricanes draw their power from warm, humid air rising from the ocean's surface. As such, this storm system has exhibited characteristics similar to a tropical cyclone, leading to its significant impact on the Carolina coast.

As the situation unfolds, residents are urged to stay informed, heed warnings from local authorities, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this time of severe weather conditions.