As a formidable deluge descents upon the United States, more than 55 million American residents bracing themselves, enveloped by the looming threat of flood watches from the verdant rolling hills of North Carolina to the picturesque landscapes of Vermont. The tempestuous storm brewing in the Gulf introduced its formidable trail with heavy rain and severe weather tormenting Florida, rousing the otherwise serene Sunday into tumultuous disarray.
The meteorological tempest now finds itself in a relentless pursuit along the crest of the eastern seaboard, dousing the Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic and the northeastern territories in copious amounts of rain. Dusk being the cloak under which the risk of excessive rainfall is mounting along the eastern shoreline.
Monday sees the storm railing its fury along the coastal northeast, evoking the spectre of classic nor'easter conditions. The silver lining to this sodden cloud however, is a reprieve from the snow. It will save its wrath for New England, which stands in line for the most substantial rains and ferocious winds on Monday.
Survivors meanwhile seek solace in stories of survival rising from the northeastern region of Australia. There, the remnants of tropical cyclone Jasper unleashed a fury of torrential rains triggering extensive flooding and necessitating the rescue of hundreds. Officials, wary of the threat still looming, caution on the potential for further life-threatening flash floods in the area.
People flocked to rooftops offering promises of safety. Some could be found dreadfully stranded there throughout the long and stormy night. Amidst it all, concerns mount over the provision of safe drinking water, enduring power blackouts and potential sewage overflows.
Fortunately, in the face of such extreme weather events, there has been a groundswell of gratitude arising from the absence of any reports of deaths or injuries. But with more rain expected on Monday, residents and officials alike are girding themselves for the possibility of more challenges ahead.
