What is the Fujiwhara Effect and how could it impact the Carolinas?

The Fujiwhara Effect is a rare weather phenomenon where two tropical storms "dance" around each other, becoming more destructive. Experts warn that if Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda collide, the Fujiwhara Effect could cause Imelda to be "flung towards the East" and slam into the Carolinas, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding.

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Converging Storms Spark Fears of Catastrophic Flooding in the Carolinas

Q: How does the threat of flooding from these storms compare to Hurricane Helene last year?

Forecasters say the current storm systems are showing "similar signs" to Hurricane Helene, which caused nearly $80 billion in damage throughout the southeast in 2024. The primary threat is expected to be heavy rain and severe flooding, rather than high winds and twisters.

Q: What should residents in the Carolinas do to prepare for these converging storms?

Experts advise those in the storms' path, from the east coast of Florida up through the Carolinas, to "move to higher ground and make sure to have an evacuation plan" in the event of flash flood warnings. Residents should also stay vigilant for updates and heed any evacuation orders from local authorities.

26 Sep

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Summary

Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda could collide in rare Fujiwhara Effect
Flooding threat looms large, with similarities to devastating Hurricane Helene last year
Forecasters warn residents to prepare for heavy rain and severe flooding

Converging Storms Spark Fears of Catastrophic Flooding in the Carolinas

According to the latest reports, a rare weather phenomenon could soon threaten the flood-ravaged southeast as two major storm systems, Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda, appear poised to collide. Hurricane expert Chad Merrill warns that the potential combination of these storms could trigger the Fujiwhara Effect, a phenomenon where tropical storms "dance" around each other, becoming even more destructive.

Merrill, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, cautions that the Fujiwhara Effect could see Humberto, a powerful hurricane currently swirling over the Caribbean, pull in the brewing Tropical Storm Imelda, potentially causing it to be "flung towards the East" and slam into the Carolinas. This scenario bears disturbing similarities to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene last year, which caused nearly $80 billion in damage throughout the southeast.

Forecasters are urging residents in the storms' path, from the east coast of Florida up through the Carolinas, to prepare for the worst. Merrill warns that the primary threat will be from heavy rain and severe flooding, rather than high winds and twisters. He advises those in the affected areas to "move to higher ground and make sure to have an evacuation plan" in the event of flash flood warnings.

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