Tropical Storm Henri makes landfall in Rhode Island
Although Henri had been downgraded from a Category One hurricane, the storm still brought 60mph (95km/h) winds.
Millions of people across Long Island and southern New England have been told to prepare for coastal surges, flooding and downed trees and power lines.
Meanwhile, further south in Tennessee, flash flooding has caused the deaths of at least 21 people.
Dozens of people remain missing in and around the town of Waverly, about 60 miles (90km) west of Nashville, following what local reporters described as unprecedented rainfall.
Rising waters uprooted huge trees, tore through homes - leaving hundreds uninhabitable - and swept away cars. Roads and bridges were damaged, and thousands of people in Humphreys County were left without power.
A reunification centre was set up at a school, and people were asked to donate items to help those displaced, the Humphreys County Sheriff's Office said on its Facebook page.
President Joe Biden expressed his "deepest condolences" for those affected and said disaster officials stood ready to offer assistance where it was needed.
He has also approved disaster relief for Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, which are expected to be struck by Storm Henri.
"This storm has the potential for widespread consequences across the region with significant flooding and power outages that could affect hundreds of thousands of people," he said.
Henri struck land near the Rhode Island town of Westerly at around 12:15 local time (16:15 GMT), with maximum sustained winds just 14mph (22kph) short of hurricane strength, the National Hurricane Center said.
"Heavy rainfall from Henri may result in a considerable flash, urban, and small stream flooding, along with the potential for widespread minor to isolated moderate river flooding," the NHC said. Hundreds of flights from New York airport were cancelled.
On Saturday evening, a concert in New York City's Central Park was abruptly stopped "due to approaching severe weather", police said.
About 60,000 people were thought to be attending the "homecoming" concert, a celebration of the city's return to hosting large events following the restrictions caused by the pandemic.
The line-up of artists included Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Paul Simon and Barry Manilow, whose performance was cut short as concert-goers were told to make their way to the nearest exits.
0 Comment