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US East Coast under state of emergency after tropical storm

September 4, 2016

Tropical Storm Hermine has left a path of devastation in the coastal Southern states. It now threatens to hit the northern East Coast of the US as a hurricane.

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Tropical Storm Hermine in Florida
Image: picture alliance/ZUMAPRESS.com/J. Pendygraft

New Jersey's Chris Christie has joined a number of other governors in declaring a state of emergency following heavy rains and winds from Tropical Storm Hermine. Despite downgrading the weather for the time being, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that coastal flooding would likely begin near the New Jersey coastline at high tide overnight.

Hermine gathered strength as it moved across North Carolina, threatening the US East Coast after leaving a path of destruction behind in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. It is expected to increase after veering offshore, with the NHC reporting that it could still reach near-hurricane intensity. Its powerful winds could reach to 205 miles (335 km) per hour.

Tropical Storm Hermine in Florida
Hermine was the first major weather system to hit the hurricane-prone state Florida in 11 yearsImage: Getty Images/M. Wallheiser

"It's going to sit offshore, and it is going to be a tremendous coastal event with a dangerous storm surge and lots of larger waves probably causing significant beach erosion for the next few days," said Daniel Brown, senior hurricane specialist at the center.

The tropical storm coincided with Labor Day weekend celebrations across the US. Many vacationers had to cancel their holiday plans along the Atlantic seaboard. Officials in Atlantic City, New Jersey, were the latest to cancel concerts and other public events.

Effects felt in Florida and beyond

Authorities reported two storm-related deaths. At least 150,000 households went without power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, according to utility companies. Other estimates stated the number could be twice as high in the state of Florida alone. Many had to evacuate.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said restoring electricity was his top priority for the time being.

"I want everybody to have their power," he said.

Tropical Storm Hermine in Florida
The National Weather Service warns that Hermine could make landfall again further up the East Coast as a hurricaneImage: picture alliance/ZUMAPRESS.com/J. Borchuck

Emergency declarations remained in effect for all or parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo activated his state's emergency operations center. The state of Connecticut could be the next to seek a state of emergency.

Many Amtrak trains along the East Coast also had to be canceled because of the storm.

ss/kl (AP, Reuters)