Hurricane Isaias heads for Carolinas

Coastal communities in the Carolinas are bracing for Hurricane Isaias, which is heading for the US eastern seaboard.

The National Hurricane Center predicts it will hit between north-eastern South Carolina and southern North Carolina sometime on Monday night.

Isaias was downgraded to a tropical storm after hitting islands in the Caribbean, where it caused the death of two people.

But it has now gathered strength with wind speeds of 75mph (120km/h).

Isaias is the ninth named storm of the year. The NHC warned Isaias would cause heavy rainfall, resulting in "widespread minor to moderate river flooding" and flash floods in the eastern Carolinas and mid-Atlantic as it moves along the US East Coast.

In north-eastern South Carolina and southern North Carolina, officials said "there is the danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the immediate coastline and adjacent waterways".

Storm surges along the eastern seaboard could reach up to 5ft (1.5m) with over 8in (20cm) of rainfall.

Tropical storm force winds and gusts will also reach up to the Chesapeake Bay region.

The storm this weekend scraped by Florida and on Monday, its centre remained offshore of South Carolina.

In the Dominican Republican and Puerto Rico, Isaias killed at least two people. The storm uprooted trees, destroyed crops and homes and caused flooding and landslides.

Isaias is bearing down upon popular tourist destinations of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. Tornado warnings are also in effect until Tuesday.

It is projected to weaken after making landfall, but farther north, New York City is preparing for storm surges as well.

State officials in regions preparing for hurricanes this season have also been grappling with opening shelters that comply with social distancing regulations.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper - who on Friday declared a state of emergency - urged residents during a news conference on Monday to be on the alert and stay safe.

"North Carolinians have had to dig deep in recent months to tap into our strength and resilience during the pandemic. That hasn't been easy.

"But with this storm on the way, we have to dig a little deeper. Let's keep each other safe from the wind and water as well as from the virus."

Mr Cooper said the state is also equipped to open storm shelters where people can socially distance.

Facing a natural disaster in a pandemic

US disaster agencies have updated disaster preparedness and evacuation guidance in light of Covid-19.

The Carolinas have seen a recent surge in coronavirus cases as the US struggles to curb the spread of the potentially fatal illness.

"We in North Carolina mostly know what to do," the state's governor, Roy Cooper, said Sunday.

"You pack your emergency kit, follow local evacuation orders, stay in a safe place and never drive through flooded roadways.

"But this time, pack your masks and hand sanitizers in your kit and remember to social distance."

Up to 150 National Guard soldiers have been activated to help prepare for the storm and assist in the aftermath if necessary, Cooper said.

Isaias was earlier downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane after brushing past Florida, leaving it relatively unscathed.

Some coronavirus testing centers -- many housed in tents -- were closed last week in the Sunshine State as the storm approached.

They have now begun to reopen gradually, according to local media.

Florida has emerged as an epicenter of the US virus crisis, which has already claimed nearly 155,000 lives nationwide.

On Sunday, the state reported 77 Covid-19 deaths, down from a record 179 the day before, bringing its death total to 6,920.

The storm earlier dumped torrential rain on the Bahamas, felling trees and flooding streets, before emergency management officials on Sunday gave the "all clear" for the country.

(Source: BBC, NDTV)