Intense East Coast Storm Triggers Tornadoes, Floods: 60M Under Watch

• East coast storm intensifies after causing havoc in Florida.

• Storm is now battering the Carolinas, prompting tornado watches and flood warnings.

• Meteorologist Lisa Raffa provides latest updates from the Weather Center.

A woman walks along the beach after the passing of Tropical Storm Hilary, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

AP

In a tempestuous turn of events, the major East Coast storm gained momentum, proving its fury after relentlessly whipping Florida throughout the weekend. The storm system is now training its sights on the Carolinas, bringing with it a slew of tornado watches and flood alerts, while continuing its tumultuous journey upwards the East Coast.

In the throes of this meteorological tumult, vibrant indications of the storm's intensity radiate from the radar screens. A tableau of alarming hues previews an unruly forecast: The readings from today's rainfall in South Carolina have, without exception, been profuse. It's as though the storm held the state's record tides at ransom, instead depositing record-shattering quantities of rainfall. Today's visual record hints at a tale of torrents near Georgetown, where the blush of pink on the radar translates to a staggering estimate of 9 to 12 inches of rainfall.

The quicksilver rise of flash flooding emergencies was the tale of the day, while large swaths of South Carolina were painted in broad strokes of yellows and oranges, representing the 4 to 6 inches of widespread rainfall. The tales of flooding have today etched themselves in the patterned profile of the low country of South Carolina.

While the tornado watch is expected to wind down soon, it is in effect until 8 o'clock this evening. However, the flood threat continues its looming presence. The scenario through the night and into the day entails a whimsical ballet that includes the Carolinas, Washington DC, Boston, and Maine. A staggering 60 million people are under the flood watch for additional rainfall between 2 to 4 inches.

Gloom descends in the form of heavy rain that threatens to mar tomorrow morning's journey for many commuters. In addition to the undesirable downpour, the coast is slated to experience the wrath of 65-mile-per-hour winds. It looks like the East Coast is in for one tempestuous and messy tale for the time being. Safety is paramount in these challenging conditions.