Deadly Storm Ravages US East Coast, Leaving 4 Dead and Thousands Without Power
By Caroline Ameh
A devastating storm has wreaked havoc along the US East Coast, resulting in four tragic fatalities, widespread power outages, floods, and considerable disruptions to air travel.
A woman lost her life in floodwaters near Charleston, South Carolina, while three men met fatal fates in northeastern states as the storm surged toward Canada.
The storm’s impact was colossal, leaving more than 600,000 people without power by Tuesday morning, with millions on high alert due to flood warnings. The weather system inflicted heavy rains causing river and flash floods, and severe winds of nearly 70 mph (113 km/h) battered the southern New England shoreline.
Among the casualties, 72-year-old Nancy Morrow succumbed to the rising waters in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, despite valiant efforts by officials who attempted a rescue. Tragically, in Hanover, Massachusetts, 89-year-old Robert Horky faced a fatal accident when strong winds toppled a tree onto his trailer, resulting in severe head trauma.
In Windham, Maine, a 40-year-old man lost his life as a tree collapsed while he was clearing debris from his roof. Additionally, 73-year-old Allan “Ray” Nolt tragically drowned in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, after his vehicle submerged in high waters.
The storm’s wrath caused chaos in air travel, leading to over 4,900 delayed and 500 cancelled flights across or heading to the US on Monday, with Boston and New York airports experiencing the most significant disruptions.
The New England region witnessed school closures due to treacherous road conditions, while flood-stricken Georgetown, South Carolina, faced a dire situation with dozens stranded and in need of rescue after receiving over 9 inches (22 cm) of rainfall.
Approximately 60 million individuals from Virginia to Maine remained under a flood watch, with the National Weather Service (NWS) predicting drier conditions in the coming days, offering hope for the receding floods.
Amidst the chaos, Boston, Massachusetts, battled with 50 mph (80 km/h) winds, while concerns over lingering floods persisted.
