Hurricane Isaias made landfall in North Carolina just after 11pm on Monday as local officials warned residents of life-threatening storm s...
Hurricane Isaias made landfall in North Carolina just after 11pm on Monday as local officials warned residents of life-threatening storm surges, flash floods, wind gusts of up to 85mph that knocked out power for at least 124,000 customers.
The massive system strengthened from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane as forecasters expect it to dump up to 8 inches of rain along most of the Eastern Seaboard, which is under a tropical storm watch stretching from Georgia all the way up to Maine.
Preparations for the storm's arrival have been underway in major cities along the East Coast, including New York, where officials say Isaias packs the strongest punch since Superstorm Sandy from 2012.
Video footage uploaded to social media by residents of Myrtle Beach show flooding induced by storm surge just before the hurricane was due to make landfall.
'Ocean Boulevard is just covered in storm surge,' Josh Morgerman tweeted.
People walk through flood-hit Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, late on Monday after Hurricane Isaias made landfall
A man uses his phone to record video of floodwaters on Ocean Blvd. The hurricane made landfall in nearby North Carolina, generating sustained wind gusts of 85mph
A group of people are seen above walking along a flooded roadway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, late on Monday
A car is driven along water-covered Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, late on Monday night
Storm surge covered the area as Hurricane Isaias made landfall near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Sunday
Fire officials in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, deployed high-water vehicles to rescue motorists stranded in floodwaters early on Tuesday morning
A high-water vehicle is seen driving down a flooded street in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, early on Tuesday morning
Fire officials are begging drivers to stay off the roads so that they could tend to other emergencies during the hurricane
Storm surge is seen above in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, late on Monday after Hurricane Isaias made landfall
Hurricane Isaias approached landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, late on Monday evening, bringing heavy rain and strong wind gusts as well as coastal flooding
Meteorologists also expect up to 5 feet of storm surge for the region as Isaias makes it way inland
In the Carolinas, coastal residents secured patio furniture, ferry operators completed evacuations on the Outer Banks, and officials passed out sandbags and offered car space in elevated garages Monday as Isaias marched northward late on Monday.
Fire officials in North Myrtle Beach deployed high-water vehicles to rescue stranded drivers who got stuck in the floodwaters early Tuesday morning.
'We are seeing several areas of the city beginning to have ponding on the roadways from heavy rain as well as tidal flooding in Cherry Grove,' North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue posted on its social media.
Authorities are begging motorists to stay off the roads while the storm continues to impact the region.
'You being out and getting stuck somewhere you shouldn’t be ties up Emergency Personnel that are needed for other incidents,' North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue posted on its social media.
In North Carolina, at least 124,000 power outages were reported in the Wilmington area the encompasses both Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, the Charlotte Observer reported.
'The high winds and heavy rains associated with this powerful tropical storm are expected to cause widespread power outages along the coastline and to points well inland,' a Duke Energy update stated.
'Updates on the estimated times of restoration may be delayed until the storm clears the area.'
The National Hurricane Center warned oceanside home dwellers to brace for storm surge up to 5 feet and up to 8 inches of rain in spots, as Isaias moves up the coast.
As the storm neared the shore, a gauge on a pier in Myrtle Beach recorded its third highest water level since it was set up in 1976. Only Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016 pushed more salt water inland.
The hurricane made landfall just after 11pm on Monday near Wilmington, North Carolina
As of 1am local time on Tuesday, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was under a hurricane warning while most of the rest of the East Coast from Georgia up through New England were under a tropical storm warning
The red-shaded area shows the likely trajectory of the storm's path. Heavy rain, high surf, coastal flooding, and strong winds are forecast for Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New England
Hurricane Isaias is due to hit the Virginia region sometime early on Tuesday before making its way toward the New York metropolitan area on Tuesday evening
Flood alerts are in effect for most of the Eastern Seaboard stretching from South Carolina all the way up toward Maine
Strong wind gusts are being felt along the coast of the Carolinas on Monday as Hurricane Isaias made landfall at around 11:10pm
After making landfall, Isaias turned northeastward and crept up the coast toward Wilmington, North Carolina, just before midnight on Tuesday
Severe weather is expected to impact much of the East Coast on Tuesday and into early Wednesday morning
Coastal cities like Atlantic City, New York, and Boston are expected to see strong wind gusts reaching between 60mph and 75mph
Oceanfront streets throughout the area flooded as the sea ended up nearly 10 feet above low tide.
Up the coast in southern North Carolina, high winds from Isaias' inner core knocked down trees and power lines, blocking roads. No major damage was initially reported.
The Carolinas weren't the only states at risk.
'All those rains could produce flash flooding across portions of the eastern Carolinas and mid-Atlantic, and even in the northeast United States,' said Daniel Brown, senior hurricane specialist at the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
A tropical storm warning extended all the way up to Maine, where flash flooding was possible in some areas on Wednesday.
Isaias killed two people in the Caribbean and roughed up the Bahamas but remained at sea as it brushed past Florida over the weekend, providing some welcome relief to emergency managers who had to accommodate mask-wearing evacuees in storm shelters.
People walk across Ocean Boulevard in the rain in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday afternoon
A young woman rides a bicycle in the rain on Ocean Boulevard hours before Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday
Waves crash against the Pier at Garden City in Garden City, South Carolina, on Monday afternoon
Friends play in the surf in Garden City, South Carolina, on Monday afternoon as authorities warned of an impending hurricane
Curious onlookers take photos with their cell phones underneath a pier in Garden City, South Carolina, on Monday
A surfer rides the stormy seas off Garden City, South Carolina, as Hurricane Isaias neared the Carolinas on Monday
Shops are boarded up in North Carolina in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Isaias on Monday
The National Hurricane Center also warned of possible tornadoes in North Carolina on Monday night and early Tuesday
Thick clouds and rough surf are seen above at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on Monday
President Donald Trump on Monday described Isaias as 'very serious.'
'Storm surge and inland flooding are possible and everyone needs to remain vigilant until it passes,' Trump said.
Authorities in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ordered swimmers out of the water to avoid rough surf and strong rip currents.
Still, many people were out enjoying the beach and walking their dogs under overcast skies.
On Pawleys Island, southwest of Myrtle Beach, Terrie Wilson Heffner moved outdoor furniture and potted plants and kept her TV tuned to weather reports.
A coastal South Carolina resident since 1981, when Hurricane Hugo destroyed her parents' home, Heffner said she doesn't leave except for major storms.
'They don't really scare me,' Heffner said, 'but I have great respect for them.'
Shops and restaurants appeared quieter than usual for a summertime Monday in North Myrtle Beach, but locals blamed COVID-19 more than Isaias.
No businesses were boarding up their windows, although some moved outside furniture inside.
Wayne Stanley and his family came to the city over the weekend from Julian, North Carolina.
He's never experienced a hurricane, but said he never considered canceling his family's weeklong vacation either.
'I was pretty scared to start off with,' Stanley said Monday. 'Then we thought maybe it´s not going to be that bad.'
Floodwaters on Ocean Boulevard threaten moped rentals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday night
Floodwaters reach above the knees for one woman who ventured out onto Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach on Monday
Authorities in South Carolina warned of life threatening storm surge caused by Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall just before midnight on Tuesday
The images above show storm surge covering the coastline of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, late on Monday
Storm surge, floods, heavy rains, and downed trees were reported across Myrtle Beach (above) and other nearby towns
Storm surge-induced flooding was seen in Ocean Lakes, South Carolina, late Monday as Hurricane Isaias made landfall
A resident of Kings Grant, North Carolina, posted a photo showing candles used to light up the home after the power went down
People walk at the Garden City Pier in Garden City, South Carolina, on Monday just hours before Isaias made landfall
Heavy rains fell on Salem, North Carolina, on Monday afternoon as Hurricane Isaias bore down on the US coastline
The image above was taken by a local resident and uploaded to social media on Monday, hours before Isaias was set to make landfall
People play in the ocean as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches in Kure Beach, North Carolina, on Monday
Beachgoers are caught in a rain shower just hours before Isaias makes landfall in Kure Beach, North Carolina, on Monday
A couple looks out over the ocean as Isaias approaches in Kure Beach, North Carolina, on Monday
Authorities in the Carolinas were warning bathers to get out of the water due to rough surf and high tides caused by Isaias
A man observes the dark clouds and high surf produced by Hurricane Isaias from the balcony of his hotel in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday
Forecasters expect Hurricane Isaias to turn northeastward after making landfall near the North-South Carolina frontier on Monday
Children play on the beach in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday as Isaias whips up high surf along the coast
A man continued to fish on the beach in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday as Isaias made its approach toward the coastline
Winds were expected to grow stronger through the night on Monday and into early Tuesday as Isaias makes landfall
Officials in frequently flooded Charleston, South Carolina, handed out sandbags and opened parking garages so residents on the low-lying peninsula could stow their cars above ground.
Though the center of Isaias was expected to pass offshore of Charleston on Monday evening, National Weather Service meteorologists said a major flood is possible if rainfall is heavy when the high tide arrives about 9pm.
The hurricane center predicted storm surges of 3 to 5 feet in portions of both North and South Carolina.
Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg told a news conference he didn't plan a curfew, though city offices were closing early.
He asked residents to stay home after 6pm when winds are predicted to increase above 40 mph and flooding could be at its worst.
'It's a great night, as long as your power is up, to watch a movie or read a book,' Tecklenburg said.
'Just chill out this evening. Stay home and stay safe.'
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned residents on Monday that the storm could be dangerous regardless of its strength.
He urged those evacuating to turn to shelters as a last resort, citing coronavirus risks and the need to operate shelters at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing.
'Whether it's labeled a tropical storm or a hurricane, you should take this storm seriously, and make sure your family is ready,' Cooper said.
Ferry operators wrapped up evacuations from Ocracoke Island in North Carolina's Outer Banks on Monday, moving more than 3,500 people and 1,700 vehicles off the island over four days.
Island officials were taking no chances after taking a beating less than a year ago from Hurricane Dorian. Evacuation orders have also been issued for Hatteras Island north of Ocracoke.
Morgan Stewart said many evacuating residents had come into the store where she works in the inland community of Kinston to buy tarps, batteries, flashlights and other supplies.
'You can tell they're worried,' said Stewart, who saw cars parked on higher ground over the weekend as she secured her boat at a marina.
Isaias was still a tropical storm at 5pm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, but it was expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane later Monday, with winds of 74 mph or more.
The storm was centered about 120 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach on Monday afternoon.
Since forming last week, Isaias has been buffeted by competing forces both trying to kill and strengthen it, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy.
'Of all the places it could be, it found the warmest water it could,' which fuels storm development, McNoldy said.
'And yet it is struggling.'
Rebecca Nelson and Terry Crabtree arrange boats inside the garage at Downeast Marine in Otway, North Carolina in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias on Monday
Walkers stroll past Cherry Grove pier at dawn in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as Isais moved up the East Coast
Hurricane Isais is moving up the East Coast and is expected to make landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday
Beachcombers look towards the sea at dawn in North Myrtle Beach where a lifeguard stand warns of rip currents on Monday
City of North Myrtle Beach workers removes hanging plans on Main Street ahead of Hurricane Isais on Monday
That's because dry air kept working its way into the storm at low and mid-levels, which chokes storms.
Isaias' passage near Florida over the weekend was particularly unwelcome to authorities already dealing with surging coronavirus caseloads.
The storm brought heavy rain and flooding to the state, forcing authorities to close outdoor virus testing sights, as well as beaches and parks.
Officials lashed signs to palm trees so they wouldn't blow away.
About 150 people had to keep masks on while sheltering in Palm Beach County, which had a voluntary evacuation order for people living in homes that can't withstand dangerous winds, said emergency management spokeswoman Lisa De La Rionda.
Connecticut is preparing for the arrival of Isaias, which is expected to bring up to 4 inches of rain in parts of the western half of the state
The coastal area in southern Connecticut could see fierce wind gusts of up to 70mph on Tuesday evening
The coastal areas of the Long Island Sound are likely to see storm surge between 1ft and 3ft beginning Tuesday evening
The New York City tri-state area could also see isolated tornadoes as a result of the storm on Tuesday
Isaias was blamed for two deaths in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, where it uprooted trees, destroyed crops and homes and caused widespread flooding and small landslides over the weekend.
The storm snapped trees and knocked out power Saturday in the Bahamas.
Shelters were opened on Abaco island to help people still living in temporary structures since Dorian devastated the area, killing at least 70 people in September 2019.
Meanwhile, New York City has started preparing for Isaias that could hit the Big Apple with 70mph winds, the strongest since Superstorm Sandy.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city began its preparations on Sunday by implementing flood measures learned from Superstorm Sandy.
Temporary one-mile barriers are being installed from Wall Street to Water Street in Manhattan. Photos showed workers preparing a hydro-dam in the lower Manhattan area to prevent storm surge from Isaias.
Vents were also placed at the Flatbush Ave and Nostrand Ave entrance of the Flatbush Av/Brooklyn College 2 and 5 train station.
Rain in New York City is expected to run from 1 to 6pm on Tuesday.
Lightning illuminates the skies above New York City on Monday night as showers and thunderstorms hit the area a day before the arrival of Isaias
Lightning strikes as storms hit New York City on Monday. The image above was taken across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Monday
Lower Manhattan is seen in the image above as thunderstorms moved across the Hudson River ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Isaias on Monday
New York City has started preparing for Isaias, which is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane as it closes in on the Carolinas before it takes aim at the Northeast. A worker helps prepare a hydro-dam to prevent storm surge in Manhattan on Monday
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the Big Apple is preparing for the storm by implementing flood measures learned from Superstorm Sandy. Temporary one-mile barriers (pictured) are being installed from Wall Street to Water Street in Manhattan
Photos showed workers preparing a hydro-dam in the lower Manhattan area to prevent storm surge from Isaias
Rain in New York City is expected to run from 1 to 6pm on Tuesday. The city also expects winds of 35 to 45mph for two to three hours with some gusts at 60mph
Workers erect temporary flood barriers in the South Street Seaport neighborhood in preparation for potential flooding and a storm surge from Isaias
Temporary sidewalk vent covers have been put in place in preparation of Hurricane Isaias in Manhattan
The vents were put in place at the Flatbush Ave and Nostrand Ave entrance of the Flatbush Av/Brooklyn College 2 and 5 subway station
Forecasters have warned that New York City, which is still grappling from the impact of COVID-19, could see some of the strongest wind gusts since Superstorm Sandy.
According to the National Weather Service, winds of up to 70mph are forecast for New York City on Tuesday.
On October 29, 2012, the peak wind gust at John F. Kennedy International Airport was 69mph during Superstorm Sandy.
Meteorologist Ross Dickman told CNN that 'the wind and flooding impacts from Isaias will be similar to what the city has seen from some of the strongest coastal storms, but we haven’t seen one this strong in many years'.
On top of dealing with a storm, New York City is still reeling from the impact of COVID-19. The city was once the epicenter for the virus, but last month it successfully entered the final phase of reopening.
City officials have asked restaurants to take precautions since most are operating with outdoor seating due to the coronavirus. Indoor dining is still prohibited in New York City.
Maryland Gov Larry Hogan said Monday that the state will be suspending its COVID-19 testing on Tuesday due to the storm.
So far, 13 state and local testing sites will be closed, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for southern Maryland and nearby waters, according to the NWS.
About 100 million people are in the storm's path, which stretches 1,500 miles from Florida to Maine.
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