JOAQUIN Prompts States of Emergency Declarations in 5 States

States of Emergency declared in SC, NC, VA, MD and NJ ahead of hurricane JOAQUIN

JOAQUIN, strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane, pounded the central Bahamas with 215 kilometer per hour winds earlier today.

The governors of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey have declared states of emergency, as of posting, mobilizing the National Guard troops to deal with potential disasters.

The storm, 3rd hurricane of the 2015 Atlantic season, was classified as an “extremely dangerous,” by the National Hurricane Center:

8:00 AM EDT Fri Oct 2 –
Location: 23.4°N 74.8°W
Moving: NW at 5 km/hr
Min pressure: 937 mb
Max sustained winds: 215 km/hr (115 knot)

Heavy rain, flooding expected across parts of mid-Atlantic regardless of JOAQUIN forecast track —NHC

The forecast models continue to indicate a track for Hurricane Joaquin offshore of the United States East Coast from the Carolinas to the mid-Atlantic, and the threat of direct impacts from Joaquin in those areas is decreasing. Even if Joaquin remains offshore, strong onshore winds associated with a frontal system will create minor to moderate coastal flooding along parts of the East Coast.

UK Sinkhole Forces Midnight Evacuations

Large sinkhole opens up in St Albans, UK

A large sinkhole has opened up on a street in St Albans forcing the evacuation of dozens of residences in the night.

The sinkhole opened up in Fontmell Close, a cul de sac in the city of St Albans, Hertfordshire, leaving many homes in the area without water, gas and electricity, said the council.

“The return to normal is likely to take weeks and all agencies in Hertfordshire are working together to support families affected,” said the council spokesman.

Sinkhole in Fontmell Close, St Albans, UK. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council, Fire and Rescue Service

 

Powerful Rainstorms Pound E. US, N. Philippines, much of Japan

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding affecting parts of East Coast

Hurricane JOAQUIN a double whammy regardless of track

Many parts of the eastern U.S. are currently experiencing heavy rains and gusty winds associated with a frontal system. These rainstorms could continue for the next few days, even if the center of Hurricane JOAQUIN stays offshore. The resulting inland flood potential could complicate preparations for JOAQUIN, specially if heads toward the coast, where even more substantial inland flooding could occur. —NOAA

Philippines

Tropical Storm KABAYAN, packing strong winds, dumped heavy rain within a 300-km radius of the center of storm, before exiting landmass.

At 11:00 AM on 02 October 2015 the storm center was located at 16.5°N, 119.6°E about 95 km Northwest of Dagupan City, Pangasinan. The storm was headed toward West Philippine Sea.

Japan

Powerful rainstorms with typhoon-strength winds, generated by a broad low pressure system, pumelled most of Japan overnight, causing major diruptions in transportation and forcing flight and train cancellations.

Strong gusts and heavy rain from the system are forecast to continue until Friday afternoon, said the local forecasters.