The U.S. East Coast is making the most out of the “calm before the storm” by preparing for fierce winds, “life-threatening” storm surge, and heavy flooding as Hurricane Henri threatens to hit, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has said.
According to reports, Henri gathers strength as it moves north about 240 miles of North Carolina. It packs 75 mph (120 kph) winds and is expected to pummel Long Island, New York, or southern New England with torrential rain and howling winds.
NHC also warned everyone that Henri could produce storm surges of up to 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) along the coast in New England, 75 mph or higher wind gusts and rains of 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.25 cm) with 10 inches (25 cm)in isolated areas.
At Henri’s threat, Long Island and New Haven, Connecticut, were placed under hurricane and storm surge warnings. Some parts of New England, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, received surge and tropical storm warning advisories from the NHC.
In a statement, the NHC said, “This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions.”
On the other hand, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio warned the residents of the largest city in the United States that NYC is under a tropical storm warning. In his Twitter post, he called on everyone to urge them to stay home on Sunday and to use public transportation if they need to travel.
Even emergency management officials said that the heavy rainfall and damaging winds could flood roadways and reduce visibility throughout the weekend.
New York City Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani tweeted on Saturday, “Secure outdoor objects and make sure you are in a safe location before the onset of wind and rain!”
