by SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. — Residents across North and South Carolina are bracing for widespread flooding, strong winds, and coastal erosion as a powerful Nor’easter storm begins to form off the East Coast this weekend. The system, expected to strengthen through Saturday and Sunday, is already bringing high tides and water inundation to parts of Charleston and the Outer Banks.
Floodwaters Already Rising in Charleston
By Friday morning, floodwaters had begun to cover parts of Charleston, several hours before high tide. FOX Weather Meteorologist, reporting live from the city, was forced to move her vehicle after a parking lot filled with water.
“Charleston is used to flooding like this — they see it quite a bit,” they said. “But not to this caliber.”
City officials have begun deploying barricades at flood-prone intersections to prevent vehicles from becoming stranded. According to Charleston Chief Communications Officer Deja Knight McMillan, the city is preparing for “extensive flooding” as tides continue to rise.
By 10 a.m., flood levels near the Charleston marina had reached five to six inches, with some streets becoming impassable to pedestrians.
Coastal Flood Advisories Across North Carolina
The National Weather Service has issued Coastal Flood Advisories for nearly the entire North Carolina coastline, warning that the storm could bring widespread flooding, gusty winds, and significant beach erosion as it strengthens on Saturday morning.
Meteorologists say the system will resemble a classic Nor’easter, fueled by cold air from the north and warm ocean moisture along the Atlantic coast.
For communities already battered by earlier storms like Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, the timing couldn’t be worse. Both hurricanes caused substantial beach erosion and property damage, and many coastal homeowners are still recovering.
Beach Erosion Threatens Fragile Coastlines
The new Nor’easter is expected to worsen the ongoing problem of beach erosion, especially along Buxton and Rodanthe, North Carolina — two coastal towns that have experienced severe shoreline loss over the past several years.
According to the National Park Service, nine homes collapsed along the beaches of Buxton and Rodanthe from late September into early October alone. Since 2020, 21 homes have been destroyed along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore due to a combination of erosion and storm-related flooding.
Officials fear that additional high surf this weekend could further undermine beachfront structures already weakened by previous storms.
Rainfall and Flood Risk Expected Through Monday
As the storm strengthens, rainfall totals are forecast to reach 2–3 inches along the coast, with localized areas possibly receiving up to 5 inches through Monday.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk for parts of coastal North Carolina on Saturday, meaning moderate flooding impacts are expected, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
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Winds are forecast to gust 25–40 mph near the coastline, potentially leading to scattered power outages, downed tree limbs, and dangerous surf conditions.
By Sunday night, the Nor’easter is expected to move northward, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New England through Tuesday.
Preparing for a Long Weekend of Impacts
Emergency management officials in both Carolinas are urging residents to avoid driving through flooded streets, secure outdoor items, and monitor local weather updates throughout the weekend.
“This storm will impact multiple states,” meteorologists warned in a statement Friday. “Residents from the Carolinas to southern New England should be prepared for several days of rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding.”
Do you think coastal states are adequately prepared for back-to-back storms like this Nor’easter? Share your thoughts in the comments at race-day-live.com.
