US: Flood warnings issued for Southeast, Mid-Atlantic December 28-31

Event

A storm system continues to bring heavy rain to much of the eastern US, prompting the US National Weather Service (NWS) to issue flood warnings and advisories on Friday, December 28, for areas in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The rainfall is expected to produce flooding in low-lying areas, including farmland and riverbeds. Affected areas include southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg), Asheville and western North Carolina, southwestern Virginia (Roanoke), Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, and much of New Jersey. Most of the warnings are in effect until Sunday evening (local time), December 30, or Monday, December 31. Flooding and associated transportation disruptions, including road closures, are possible.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. road closures), and anticipate flooding in low-lying areas and associated transportation disruptions. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemicals; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.