Hurricane swells arrive before the rain: Move the car off the street and tie the trash lids before Thursday’s gusts

By Thursday morning, coastal streets face flooding risk before the first raindrops. Residents are urged to secure bins, shift vehicles, and prepare for strong winds that may arrive earlier than expected.

What’s changing before the storm hits

Meteorologists warn that swells are already pushing into low-lying streets, hours ahead of the storm’s rainfall. The mismatch between rising water and the delayed rain leaves drivers vulnerable to surprise flooding. Trash bins and garden objects can turn into airborne hazards if left loose.

Who is safe and who is left exposed

Families living on higher ground may escape the early floodwaters, but commuters parking on open streets risk damage. Emergency planners say renters without garages are at greater disadvantage compared to homeowners.
“Preparation is about fairness — those without private lots face the harshest burden,” — Jordan Ellis, Emergency Response Coordinator.

Exactly what to do to limit losses

Officials urge residents to act before Thursday at 6 a.m., when gusts are expected to peak. Move vehicles to higher ground, tie down lids, and keep valuables away from ground floors.

Through the weekend, high tides combined with leftover swells may still cause street closures. Even after winds weaken, cleanup delays and road hazards can linger. Authorities warn that relief crews may prioritize power restoration before debris removal.

Signal of momentum in storm behavior

An early signal appears in how swells precede rainfall by almost a full day. This pattern could suggest a shift in storm dynamics that may complicate future coastal planning. If these sequences become more common, residents may face sudden street flooding well before the familiar warning of heavy rain, raising new concerns for evacuation timing.

SOURCES
https://www.noaa.gov/news
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
https://www.weather.gov/

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.