Tropical Storm Ida Hitting US East Coast, Still Powerful

by Amy Judd | November 12, 2009 at 09:07 am

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Tropical Storm Ida is continuing to cause trouble today hitting the United States east coast, and some are saying this new storm is more powerful than the original Ida storm that came ashore before. This storm has strong winds with some rain. The winds have knocked down power lines and cut power to many areas in the Carolinas and 30 foot waves off the Virginia coast.

There will be less rain however today, but the winds will be stronger with speeds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 40mph. There is a wind advisory in effect for parts of the east coast today, including Chester and York. About 3.25 inches of rain has fallen so far.

“Expect to see another three-fourths of an inch to 1 inch of rain before it's all over,” said Jeffrey Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

There has been no major damage so far from the storm but people are without power and there have been lots of minor accidents such as car accidents.

Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine has declared a state of emergency and people are urged to stay home unless they need to leave.

Parts of Virginia could receive up to 4 more inches of rain, but some areas could be at risk for severe flooding.

The agency also is monitoring the potential for inland river flooding, depending on how much total rain will get dumped on the state. In western Virginia, Salem officials reported flooded streets and some people being pulled out of low-lying areas.