Good evening all, I have an update for you regarding the coastal storm poised to affect the region starting tomorrow afternoon. A briefing package has been released by the NWS in Mount Holly discussing this system and will be linked in the comments to maximize reach, even though reach is still much too little without any links or pictures. As for the system: Timing: Rain looks to spread into the Delmarva Peninsula from the south as a coastal low moves up the Carolina coast towards Delmarva. The timing of the earliest rain may be around or just after the morning commute in far southern areas tomorrow morning but should be no later than mid-morning. The rain continues to spread northward through the morning hours, reaching into the southern Upper Half during the afternoon and through the entire region by early to mid-evening. Rain, heavy at times (especially closer to the coast), looks to fall overnight Wednesday into Thursday as the low moves overhead. Moderate to heavy rain may affect the morning commute in some areas. The rain should generally taper off from west to east Thursday morning and exit the Delmarva during the early afternoon. Some showers may persist through the afternoon into the evening, depending on how fast the low departs on Thursday. Winds: Breezy easterly winds can be expected near the coast with winds of around 15-25 mph and gusts as high as 35 mph expected, strongest overnight Wednesday. More inland, northeast winds of 10-20 mph with gusts to possibly 30 mph are expected with slowest speeds well-inland from the coast. Coastal Flooding: Minor coastal flooding is possible along the coastlines and Delaware Bay Wednesday evening through Thursday with moderate tidal flooding a small possibility during the Thursday morning high tide. Heavy rainfall at the time of high tide could exacerbate tidal flooding. Monitor for later statements including Coastal Flood Advisories tomorrow. Temperatures: Highs on Wednesday are expected to be in the low 70s region-wide as cloudy skies and onshore flow keep surface heating to a minimum. Farther north, low to near-mid 70s are possible as partly sunny skies may reveal some sun before overcast skies take over and the rain begins. Wednesday night looks to feature lows in the low 60s away from the coast and in the middle 60s near the coast as breezy easterly winds blow plenty of ocean air onshore. Inland Flooding: Due to the recent dry spell, inland flooding does not appear to be a threat with the first coastal storm of the Fall season. However, periods of heavy rain may lead to minor flooding of poor drainage areas, small streams, streets, and urban areas. Otherwise, most rivers should stay within their banks and handle the rainfall totals. Rainfall Totals: The Weather Prediction Center is estimating rainfall totals between an inch far north and west to as high as three inches in Virginia. Rainfall totals will be dependent on where the heaviest rain falls, which is influenced by the track and evolution of the coastal low. As new model data becomes available tomorrow, the total rainfall estimations will be adjusted accordingly. Until then, a general trend is for the highest rainfall totals to be confined to the southern and eastern areas, while lesser amounts are forecast north and west. Impacts: Ocean waters will be rough for the duration of this storms presence, leading to a moderate to high risk of rip currents. Minor to possibly moderate coastal flooding will likely lead to at least a few road closures and could result in minor beach erosion. A Gale Watch is in effect for the Delaware coastal waters as wind gusts to gale force will be possible (currently up to 35 knots), in addition to 6-9 foot seas. Periods of heavy rain may result in flooded roads and fast-flowing streams. Remember, Turn Around, Dont Drown, especially at night. Rainfall will likely affect the morning commute on Thursday. Another update will likely be posted tomorrow afternoon as the storm gets underway from south to north and new data possibly leads to a change in the areas expected to see highest rainfall totals. Have a great night and be ready for some rain and wind tomorrow, Fall surely is underway! --Adam
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 01:01:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015