Coastal storm expected to bring strong winds and flooding to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut this weekend
Forecasters say a developing nor'easter will bring gusty winds, high surf and possible coastal flooding to the Tri-State area from Wednesday through Saturday, though the exact track remains uncertain.
The National Weather Service indicated that a coastal storm is likely to affect New York, New Jersey and Connecticut later this week, bringing periods of strong onshore winds, elevated tides and high surf. Coastal flooding could begin Wednesday afternoon in the Delaware and Chesapeake Bay regions and spread southward by night, with the most significant impacts expected during high tides on Friday and Saturday.
Wind speeds are forecast to rise from 25–30 mph on Wednesday to 30–35 mph on Thursday across New York City and Long Island, with offshore gusts reaching 49–55 mph. Peak gusts of 35–50 mph are projected for the Tri-State area from Friday through Sunday, especially along southeast Connecticut and eastern Long Island. The storm may also generate hazardous rip currents, beach erosion and localized dune damage.
Meteorological models differ on the storm's path. The European model predicts the low pressure system will move closer to shore, potentially delivering heavy rain, 50-mph gusts and significant storm surge for New Jersey and New York City. The American GFS model keeps the system farther offshore, which would limit New York City to breezy conditions and some rain. Regardless of the track, forecasters agree that persistent waves and high astronomical tides will pose a risk of dune damage and flooding along Long Island and Queens coastlines.