A prolonged storm is raising the risk of marine disruption along the US Mid Atlantic coast, with ABC News reporting several days of strong winds, coastal flooding and dangerous surf.[2] The report, published on 19 October, says the main effects will be wind and waves, while most rain remains offshore.[2]
ABC News reports coastal flood alerts through 20 October in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and Delaware.[2] Forecast coastal winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 50 miles per hour, apply to parts of Virginia and North Carolina rather than the entire coastline.[2] Minor to moderate flooding is expected around high tides in places including Atlantic City and Virginia Beach.[2]
Offshore, NOAA's Ocean Prediction Center issued a storm warning in its 0430 UTC bulletin on 20 October.[3] Its 30 hour forecast places a low near 35 degrees north and 69 degrees west, with winds of 35 to 50 knots within 240 nautical miles north and 180 nautical miles northwest of the centre.[3] Significant wave heights in those sectors are forecast at 4 to 6.5 metres, a measure of the highest third of waves rather than a limit on individual waves.[3]
For vessel and offshore logistics teams, the planning issue is exposure to the forecast wind and sea conditions, not proof that ports have closed or cargoes have been delayed. Those operating consequences were not established by the sources reviewed. The cover image is an ABC News screen grab from NC Emergency Management video released on 17 October, not a photograph of the forecast offshore conditions.[2]
Sources: [2] https://abcnews.com/US/mid-atlantic-coast-bracing-october-noreaster/story?id=137374400 [3] https://api.weather.gov/products/f1260dc9-9966-4f6d-b7d1-f9b3b44c1c62