Powerful Pre-Holiday Storm Takes Aim at East Coast

An intense storm system is poised to impact a large swath of the Eastern United States this weekend into early next week.

The powerful storm will bring prolific rainfall, gusty winds, and additional impacts to the Southeast before tracking up much of the East Coast. This storm's timing can cause major travel disruptions before the peak holiday.

The inclement weather will start across Florida on Saturday as abundant tropical moisture surges northward. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing flooding rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and isolated tornadoes are possible, especially across central and southern Florida from Orlando to Miami and the Florida Keys.

Some areas could pick up over half a foot of rainfall, leading to flash flooding and rapid rises in streams and rivers. Strong winds may also lead to isolated power outages. Residents across the state should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions through the first half of the weekend.

By Sunday, the heavy rain is forecast to push into Georgia and the Carolinas. Localized flash flooding will remain a concern with the torrential rains, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas. Gusty winds will accompany the rainfall, leading to difficult travel conditions.