Ophelia struck the eastern coast by force during the weekend last week. It formed off the mid-Atlantic coast and was expected to bring heavy rain, storm surge and windy conditions. According to a research centre based in Miami, winds travelled at a maximum speed of 95 km/hr. Five people, including three children were endangered while in a catamaran off Cape Lookout in North Carolina. Fortunately, they were rescued on Friday night last week by the Coast Guard.
A state of emergency has been declared in North Carolina as well as Virginia by their respective governors so as to ensure the safety of citizens.
Effects
Following this action, schools have been forced early and organizers of events have been compelled to cancel.
The director of the National Hurricane Center, Michael Brennan, states that it is not uncommon for tropical storms to develop off the East Coast each year. Scientists have also stated that climate change could result in hurricanes expanding their reach into mid latitude regions frequently.
In New Jersey, reports of flooding have been established and therefore warnings have been sent out to the citizens to only go out if need be as some of the roads have been closed following the floods. In addition, many communities that include thousands of people have experienced power loss throughout the weekend. Flooding and road closures have also been reported in coastal Delaware.