Tropical Storm Ophelia updates: Rainy weather makes way up East Coast bringing flooding and killing power in New Jersey and New York after hitting North Carolina

Rainy weather made its way up the East Coast on Sunday, bringing flooding and deadly force to New Jersey after Tropical Storm Ophelia ravaged North Carolina.

In the Tri-State area, people will deal with the effects of lingering, miserable weather for much of Sunday as the post-tropical storm moves through. There is still a risk of coastal flooding and heavy, persistent rain – from DC to NYC on Sunday.

Just after 6:20 a.m. yesterday, the National Hurricane Center reported that the storm had made landfall near Emerald Isle, North Carolina. The storm had maximum winds of 120 km/h, with sustained winds of 100 km/h.

A tropical storm warning was issued from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to Fenwick Island, Delaware. In North Carolina, a hurricane watch was also in effect for the area north of Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet.

In New Jersey, winds and deluge caused disruption today, with waves of up to 10 feet high being recorded near the coast.

At the Cleveland Park Metro station in Washington DC, officials are anticipating flooding and have sandbagged the area and other flood-prone stations.

New York City locals woke up to heavy rain and high winds on Sunday, and the drizzly weather is expected to continue into the start of the new week as the city reels from the latest impacts of Ophelia.

The Global Citizen Festival, held in Central Park, went ahead on Saturday night despite the wet weather – as festival-goers in the Big Apple braved the deluge to watch big names like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lauryn Hill.

Hurricane Specialist at the National Hurricane Center Philippe Papin said on Sunday: ‘Tropical storm force winds have been observed, but are beginning to gradually diminish as the system moves further inland.

“However, there is a significant threat of flooding rains for much of eastern North Carolina to southern Virginia over the next 12 to 24 hours.”

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said, “New Yorkers should take precautions regarding the forecast of high winds and rain during our first weekend of fall.

“This weekend’s weather is also a reminder that we are still in the middle of Atlantic hurricane season and it is a good time to review your preparedness plan for your home or business, especially if you live in flood-prone areas.”

Images showed the devastation caused in Greenville and Washington, North Carolina, on Sunday morning after the storm brought heavy rain and major flooding.

Roads and streets were flooded, preventing cars from driving through the floodwaters.

Rescue teams made their way through the water in small boats to bring people trapped in cars and houses to safety.

As of Sunday morning, 2,600 people were without power in North Carolina, and 5,800 in New Jersey suffered a blackout.

More than 52,000 people in North Carolina and Virginia were without power during Saturday’s intense deluge, but the majority have now been restored.

The National Hurricane Center said in a morning update that there will be gradual weakening over the next 48 hours as the low center slowly moves offshore.

Water levels remain high in parts of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers, but should gradually recede through today, experts say.

Through Sunday, parts of the Mid-Atlantic to southern New England will see up to two inches of rain.

According to the NHC, “These rainfall events could cause localized flooding, urban flooding and small streams in parts of the Mid-Atlantic region into southern New England.

‘Isolated river flooding is possible in areas of heavier rainfall.

“The Ophelia-generated swell will continue to impact much of the East Coast of the United States to this day.

“These swells are likely to create life-threatening surf and current conditions.”

On Saturday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued his state’s emergency declaration, aiming to speed preparations and help provide a rapid response.

“The path of the storm was difficult to predict and we want to ensure that farmers, first responders and utilities have the resources needed to prepare for severe weather,” the governor said.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order was intended to facilitate response and recovery efforts.

“We want to ensure that all communities, especially those with the greatest expected impacts, have the resources they need to respond and recover from the impacts of this storm,” Youngkin noted.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said in a statement Friday evening that the state is expecting an extended period of high winds, heavy rain and high tides.

In Annapolis, the Maryland capital, water taxi driver Scott Bierman said the service would be closed Saturday.

“We will not operate if this endangers passengers and/or damages ships,” Bierman said.

In Washington, the Nationals baseball team postponed Saturday’s game until Sunday.

It’s not unusual for one or two tropical storms or even hurricanes to form off the East Coast each year, said Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center.

“We’re at the height of hurricane season, we could get storms basically anywhere in the Atlantic basin,” Brennan said.