Tropical Storm Emergency in US Southeast Hit by Ida

Published 14 Sep.2021 13:45(KST)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Major foreign media reported on the 13th (local time) that the southeastern coastal region of the United States has once again begun preparations as Tropical Storm Nicholas makes landfall, while recovery from the damage caused by Hurricane Ida last month has not yet been completed.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that the maximum wind speed of the northward-moving Tropical Storm Nicholas reached 104 km/h on the same day. It also stated that if it makes landfall on the southern or central coast of Texas in the evening, it could be upgraded to a hurricane.

Rainfall is forecasted to reach about 41 cm in some parts of Texas and up to 51 cm in isolated areas by the 15th. As it moves northeastward, about 25 cm of rain is expected in the central and southern regions of Louisiana and the southern region of Mississippi.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued storm surge, flood, and tropical storm warnings.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said, "This very slow-moving storm will remain over Texas for several days, bringing tremendous rainfall." Texas declared a state of emergency in 17 counties near the coast and 3 cities, deploying rescue teams and taking other precautionary measures.

Houston, a port city in Texas with a population of 2.3 million, also deployed rescue vehicles throughout the city and installed barricades at flood-prone points. Due to concerns about Nicholas' impact, Houston canceled all school classes the following day and closed some COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites in certain areas.

Louisiana, where more than 20 people died due to the Category 4 Hurricane Ida at the end of last month, also deployed rescue teams and prepared for the storm. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards warned of flooding, saying, "Drainage facilities are still blocked due to the aftermath of Ida."