Tropical storm watch issued for coast of North Carolina, NHC says
MIAMI -- A tropical storm watch has been issued for the North Carolina coast from Surf City northward to the state's Virginia border including the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.
The National Hurricane Center said Sunday evening that the tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area beginning Tuesday.
There is also a storm surge watch from Cape Lookout to Duck including the sound side of the Outer banks.
Swells generated by Hurricane Maria are increasing along portions of the southeastern United States coast and Bermuda and will be increasing along the Mid-Atlantic coast later Sunday.
Maria is 425 miles south southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and is moving north near 9 mph.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army announced Sunday that it continues to remain involved in or prepared to support areas and federal agencies as part of Hurricane Maria relief operations, according to a statement to CBS News.
The Army released the following information as of 6 p.m.:
- The current total Army response for Hurricane Irma is more than 2,000 Soldiers and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civilians in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
- The Army has more than 15 aircraft and 520 trucks committed to relief efforts
- The Puerto Rico Army National Guard remains focused on re-establishing lines of communication and providing engineer support to clear routes in anticipation of humanitarian assistance missions
- USACE is supporting FEMA efforts to provide coordination and execution for debris removal and temporary roofing support in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
- The U.S. Army Reserve is providing vehicle transportation support to the U.S. Coast Guard and maritime transportation officials who must inspect the ports in Puerto Rico before it can be reopened and receive critical emergency supplies for the affected population of the Common Wealth of Puerto Rico
- The U.S. Army Reserve located in San Juan, Puerto Rico are providing laundry and shower support following the passing of the hurricane and continue to support more than 100 evacuees