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Damage, loss estimated at $3 billion for recent tropical rain, wind storm

Crystal Graham
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(© luengo_ua – stock.adobe.com)

The East Coast storm that spanned from the Carolinas to New England caused an estimated $3 billion in damage and economic loss, according to AccuWeather.

Widespread coastal flooding was reported with more than 11 inches of rain in a 72-hour timeframe in Georgetown and Pawleys Island, S.C.

Storm surge above three feet was reported in Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware and New York. Wind gusts more than 60 miles per hour were reported in four states.

Three deaths were attributed to the nor’easter. On Sunday, a woman was killed in Brooklyn after being hit by debris; and on Monday, a small plane crashed in Massachusetts.

The tropical rain and wind storm led to saltwater inundation and beach erosion, as well as travel and business disruptions for people and businesses. Thousands of flights and transit services were delayed or cancelled. Many outdoor events were cancelled including the New York City Columbus Day Parade.

“This was a dangerous and disruptive storm that impacted popular beach towns during a busy holiday weekend. The timing of this storm moving up the coast during some of the highest astronomical tides of the year significantly amplified the impacts,” said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather chief meteorologist.


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The preliminary estimate accounts for damage to homes and businesses, disruptions to commerce and supply chain logistics, tourism losses, travel delays and more.

The storm brought the most widespread impact of any storm this hurricane season on the East Coast.

On Tuesday afternoon, AccuWeather reduced its forecast to around six hurricanes expected this season. Four hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic basin so far this year.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]