Tropical Storm Cristobal by Matt Taylor
Tropical Storm Cristobal has become the first tropical storm to develop off the south eastern US seaboard since the start of the current hurricane season in June. Bands of intermittent rain lashed eastern and northern Carolina late on Saturday, sparking a number of flood advisories to be issued.
Early Sunday morning the National Hurricane Centre said that the storm was moving northeast, with maximum sustained winds of 45mph (72kph). The track of the storm is parallel to the coast, and is forecast to strengthen slowly over the next few days. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect along the coastline between the two Carolina’s as further rain is expected.
For some, it is hoped that Cristobal will bring heavier rain to the east coast as it strengthens. Much of South Carolina’s northern coast is considered to be exceptionally dry, reeling under extreme drought, and is in desperate need of some rainfall. Forecasters predict that up to 130mm (5 inches) of rain could hit the states coast, with heavier amounts in some areas.
