Devastating East Coast storm: Record rainfall and flood rescues in South Carolina

A formidable late-year storm swept up the East Coast, bringing torrential rains and powerful winds that shattered rainfall records and led to dramatic water rescues. South Carolina‘s Georgetown, situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, bore the brunt of the onslaught with over 9 inches of rain since Saturday night.

Unprecedented Flooding and Rescues

Georgetown County witnessed dozens of motorists stranded in rising floodwaters, prompting emergency rescues. The scale of flooding was unexpected, with areas that typically don’t flood being submerged, akin to a tropical storm’s impact.

Charleston’s Historic Tide Levels

Charleston Harbor experienced its fourth highest tide level on record, with the National Weather Service noting it as well above the highest tide for a non-tropical system. This event underscores the growing threat of climate change, as even weaker weather systems can now cause significant storm surges.

Extreme Weather Unleashes Chaos: Historic Flooding and Power Outages Across Southeastern U.S.

The Worsening Climate Crisis

Jeff Masters, a meteorologist and co-founder of the Weather Underground, emphasized the role of human-caused climate change and natural subsidence in exacerbating sea level rise. He predicts a further 14 inches of sea level rise in Charleston by 2050.

Storm’s Path of Destruction

The storm, intensifying along the Georgia and Carolina coasts, disrupted numerous roadways and scattered holiday decorations. No injuries or deaths were reported in Georgetown County, but the damage was evident in the form of toppled signs and trees.

Tulum’s Tragedy

In a separate but equally tragic event, three men were fatally shot, and four were injured in a bar attack in Tulum, Mexico. Local authorities suspect the shooting was related to a dispute over retail drug sales.

Weather Warnings Across States

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued warnings about potential rain, winds, and flooding, urging residents to prepare for adverse weather conditions. Flood watches and high wind warnings were in effect in various parts of New York.

Snowfall Forecast and Florida’s Deluge

Behind the storm, colder air is expected to trigger snowfall across the Great Lakes and upstate New York. Florida experienced up to 5 inches of rain, causing the cancellation of boat parades and other holiday events. Despite the deluge, major airports in the state remained open.

Coastal Advisories and Positive Impact

Coastal advisories were issued across Florida, and the storm might bring relief to drought-stricken regions in the state. Meanwhile, northern New England is bracing for the heaviest rain through Tuesday morning.