Topline
After mudslides, record river levels and mountainous destruction in western North Carolina, catastrophic flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fred's remnants has left at least two people dead and 20 others missing. Some parts of the East Coast may be subject to another tropical storm in the coming days.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Fred have caused severe flooding in mountainous areas of West North Carolina. getty
The Key Facts
Haywood and Transylvania in North Carolina were hardest hit, with up to a foot rain as Fred passed through the region on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday morning, the number of people still missing was 20. This is down from 35 on Wednesday. Two people are now confirmed to have died. Fred, a tropical storm that made landfall in the Florida panhandle on Monday afternoon, left behind its remnants over New England. This area is under threat from another system. The next day, Tropical Storm Henri will likely become a Category 1 hurricane before moving towards the New England coast on Sunday or Monday. However, it may weaken slightly over the cooler waters of the area before making landfall.
Surprising Fact
On Thursday morning, Hurricane Grace became the first hurricane of the season to hit land with hurricane strength. It made landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula's eastern region and brought severe weather to tourist areas like Cancun. As a Category 1 storm, Grace sustained winds up to 80 mph.
Important Background
Gov. Roy Cooper (D), issued a state-of-emergency in North Carolina Wednesday to assist with flood response efforts. The National Guard and swift water rescue teams were also deployed to the west to search for the missing. According to the state, around 100 people had been saved as of Wednesday. After several water systems were damaged by the storm, Boil Water Advisories have been issued for parts of western North Carolina.
Important Quote
Cooper stated that North Carolina is resilient and strong, and they are committed to helping people recover as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Tangent
U.S. 19, one of the major highways through Nantahala National Forest was closed earlier because of mudslides. It appeared that U.S. 19 was open on Thursday. More than 4,000,000 people visit the forest each year.
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Hurricane Warning issued for Cancun and other parts of Mexico's heavily touristed Yucatan as Tropical Storm Grace Strengthens
35 people are missing, bridges and roads werehed out in western North Carolina (The Charlotte Observer).
