After weakening from a hurricane to a tropical storm, Isaias is currently hugging Florida's eastern coast, with the center of the storm remaining off-shore as it heads north toward the Carolinas. Parts of the Sunshine State are seeing heavy rain and high winds as Isaias passes by, with gusts as high as 70 m.p.h. expected this afternoon. The updated storm trajectory from the National Weather Service shows Isaias on track to rip through the northeast within 48 hours, bringing tropical storm force winds to NYC at some point on Tuesday (if current modeling holds true).
Tropical storm-force winds can gust as high as 73 mph according to the NWS. Heavy rain is likely on Tuesday, as well as the possibility of flash flooding.
In Florida, coastal residents are breathing a sigh of relief. "Up and down Miami Beach, one was more likely to find a surfboard than a fallen branch as locals basked in the swells that Isaias kicked up," the Miami Herald reports.
At a conference all with reporters on Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said the storm models show Isaias hitting "the typical areas" and local governments should start preparing. "We could have significant winds, right now the models project it will hit NYC area and the south shore of Long Island especially, and the Hudson Valley, with 50 mph gusts," Cuomo said. "We are preparing for Monday night, Tuesday primarily."
In weather news unrelated to Isaias, there's a chance we could see severe thunderstorms and possibly a tornado in the area today.
And in addition to the ongoing shark warnings, there are now rip current warnings for beaches along Long Island's south shore today.
"Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone," the weather service said in a statement Sunday afternoon. "Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water."
Best to just curl up inside under the air conditioning for now.
