Severe Weather Hits the US
Introduction to the Storms
A nor’easter churned its way up the East Coast on Sunday, washing out roads and prompting air travel delays as heavily populated areas of the Northeast experienced excessive rain, lashing winds, and coastal flooding. Across the continent in western Alaska, the remnants of Typhoon Halong brought hurricane-force winds and catastrophic flooding to coastal communities, pushing entire houses off their foundations. Rescue aircraft were sent to the tiny Alaskan villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where there were reports of up to 20 people possibly unaccounted for.
Alaska Governor’s Response
The spokesperson for the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Jeremy Zidek, said, “We have received reports that people’s homes have floated away and that people were potentially in those homes.” At least eight homes were swept away in Kipnuk and at least four homes were swept away in nearby Kwigillingok. The area is among one of the most isolated in the U.S., where some communities have few roads and residents use boardwalks, boats, and snowmobiles to get around. Roads and boardwalks were inundated, and power lines were damaged in Bethel, Napaskiak, Napakiak, and other Yukon-Kuskokwim communities.
Relief Efforts in Alaska
According to the nonprofit Coastal Villages Region Fund, nearly 600 people in Kipnuk were taking shelter at a local school, while around 300 people in Kwigillingok were sheltering in a school there. Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a statement, “Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm. Help is on the way.” Crews worked to clear the airport runway in Bethel, which was littered with debris from high winds.
East Coast Storms
National Guard Activated in Delaware
Heavy rain fell from the Carolinas all the way north into New England. Meteorologist Bob Oravec with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland, said, “The greatest effects are going to be the coastal flooding potential.” In Delaware, emergency management officials activated the state National Guard in response to rising floodwaters and harsh winds. A voluntary evacuation order was issued for the town of Bowers Beach, where the Murderkill River flows into Delaware Bay.
Storm Damage in North Carolina
In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, an area that’s seen significant storm damage this season, ocean overwash spread across Highway 12 at a motel near Buxton. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office posted online Sunday, urging travelers to be cautious and put property owners on alert as high tide approached. The waves were ferocious at the Hatteras Island town of Buxton, where several beachfront homes have fallen into the water in recent weeks. One house was losing its pilings Sunday and appeared close to collapsing.
Water Rescues in South Carolina
Flooding was widespread down the coast in Georgetown County, South Carolina, where several motorists had to be rescued when rising waters inundated their cars. The weather service said parts of the county received up to 7 inches of rain. Further south in Charleston, South Carolina, many downtown streets were closed because of flooding. Homeowner David Graubner spent the weekend pumping out his property, hoping to avoid a repeat of Friday, when the high tide brought nearly a foot of water into his garage, where his new Corvette was parked.
Emergency Declarations for New York and New Jersey
All of New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since Saturday night, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an emergency declaration for eight southern counties in her state as the storm gained strength Sunday evening. She urged people to monitor forecasts and avoid travel. Parts of the state are forecast to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds up to 60 mph, up to 5 inches of rain, and high surf, potentially causing beach erosion.
Conclusion
The severe weather that hit the US caused significant damage and disruption to many communities. The nor’easter that churned up the East Coast and the remnants of Typhoon Halong that brought hurricane-force winds to western Alaska both had devastating effects. As the storms move out, the affected areas will begin the process of recovery and rebuilding. It is essential for those in the affected areas to follow the instructions of local authorities and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the severe weather that hit the US?
A: The severe weather was caused by a nor’easter that churned up the East Coast and the remnants of Typhoon Halong that brought hurricane-force winds to western Alaska.
Q: Which areas were most affected by the storms?
A: The areas most affected by the storms were the Northeast, particularly Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, as well as western Alaska, particularly the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.
Q: What was the extent of the damage caused by the storms?
A: The storms caused significant damage, including flooding, power outages, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. In Alaska, at least eight homes were swept away in Kipnuk, and at least four homes were swept away in nearby Kwigillingok.
Q: What is being done to help those affected by the storms?
A: Relief efforts are underway, with emergency services personnel and volunteers working to provide aid and support to those affected. Gov. Mike Dunleavy of Alaska said, “Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm. Help is on the way.”
Q: What can people do to stay safe during severe weather events?
A: People can stay safe during severe weather events by following the instructions of local authorities, monitoring weather forecasts, and taking necessary precautions such as evacuating if ordered to do so and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.
