Tropical wind, rainstorm targets East Coast including Outer Banks, Virginia

The Outer Banks may get another round of dangerous weather this weekend as a tropical rainstorm is expected to bring strong wind and heavy precipitation to the coast.

The tropical wind and rainstorm could soak parts of the East Coast later this week into the weekend, according to AccuWeather. The result could be several inches of rain, gusty winds, beach erosion and prolonged coastal flooding.

“The Outer Banks and coastal Carolinas have faced several rounds of rough surf and beach erosion this year from storms off the coast,” said hurricane expert Alex DaSilva. “This storm will likely bring more rough surf and beach erosion to areas that have already been hit hard this year.”

While neither made landfall, hurricanes Imelda and Humberto delivered destruction to OBX last week with eight homes collapsing in Buxton and one home falling in Rodanthe.

“The Carolina coastline will be of particular concern. Areas of the Outer Banks that lost several beach houses to rough surf last week could face another round of beach erosion and rough surf from this coastal storm,” said DaSilva.

“We could see more vulnerable beach homes collapse into the ocean.”

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ICYMI

• Outer Banks | Beaches in Buxton, Rodanthe closed after nine homes collapse
• Outer Banks | Seven homes collapse as dual hurricanes bring rough surf, strong winds

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While the slow-moving storm has not been named, it could strengthen into a depression or tropical storm. The next name for a tropical development would be Karen.

“A very stormy weekend could be on tap for parts of the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Northeast if this storm hugs the coast or stalls,” he said.

The storm has potential to bring heavy, tropical rain as far west as Virginia, potentially impacting the duration of the leaf-peeping season.

“If the storm moves far enough north, wind associated with it may bring down a lot of leaves across the Northeast. This can bring a rapid end to the fall foliage in areas currently at or near peak color,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.

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ICYMI

• Shenandoah Valley | Fall colors arrive early, longer leaf-peeping season possible
• Fall foliage forecast is in; weather expert makes prediction for Virginia

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While the East Coast braces for more damaging weather, AccuWeather is also watching Tropical Storm Jerry which is expected to strengthen into the fifth hurricane of the season in the Atlantic.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.