First Fall Nor'easter of 2026 Expected to Bring Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to NYC Area
Meteorologists forecast that a developing nor'easter will intensify over the weekend, bringing gusty winds, rain and possible coastal flooding to New York City, Long Island and parts of New Jersey.
A developing low-pressure system off the Atlantic is expected to strengthen into a nor'easter as it moves north toward the New York City metropolitan area this weekend. Forecasts call for mid-60s temperatures on Tuesday through Thursday, with increasingly windy conditions. By Friday, southern New Jersey could see wind gusts of 30-40 mph, wave heights of 15-18 feet and moderate coastal flooding.
If the storm tracks closer to the shore on Saturday and Sunday, the National Weather Service models suggest New York City and Long Island could experience wind gusts of 60-70 mph, heavy rainfall of three inches or more on eastern Long Island, and significant storm surge. The European model projects a closer approach, while the GFS model keeps the low farther offshore, which would limit impacts to breezy conditions and scattered rain in the city.
Regardless of the exact track, forecasters expect persistent high tides and rough surf to cause dune erosion and localized flooding along the Long Island and Queens coastlines. The system may also affect the Boston area if it shifts northward toward New England, bringing similar wind and rain threats there.
"The severity of the storm for the five boroughs and Long Island entirely depends on its final track," a spokesperson for the FOX Forecast Center said.
Residents are advised to monitor updates and prepare for possible coastal flooding and strong winds through the weekend.