Fast-moving Tropical Storm Andrea brings heavy rain to East Coast

Tropical Storm Andrea began losing power as it swept through parts of Florida into Georgia, then the Carolinas on Friday, bringing heavy rains after a stormy night that included some tornadoes.

The first named storm of the season made landfall Thursday along Florida’s western shore and drenched the region as it quickly moved through -- a good thing since fast-moving storms cut down on possible flooding.

Weather experts expect it to continue to move up the East Coast through the weekend, bringing drenching rains as far north as New England. The storm was centered in the Charleston area late Friday morning.

“Tropical Storm Andrea is quickly transitioning into a post-tropical/extratropical cyclone, with maximum sustained winds at 45 mph,� the National Weather Service posted Friday morning.

“Andrea is currently moving through the Carolinas and is expected to produce 2-4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts, as it moves up the Eastern Seaboard through Saturday.�

There have been no reports of injuries or damage beyond the usual dead limbs falling onto electrical lines. Power outages were reported in several areas as well.

Tropical storm warnings remained in effect for the East Coast from Savannah, Ga., to Cape Charles Light in Virginia. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere inside the warning area within a day and a half.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday had warned of the risk of tornadoes, and officials said that eight were confirmed across the state.

“This one fortunately is a fast-moving storm,� he told reporters.

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