Nor'easter expected to bring heavy rain and damaging winds to East Coast
A multi-day nor'easter set to hit the Northeast this weekend could produce 2-3 inches of rain, 50-60 mph wind gusts and coastal flooding up to three feet above high tide.
A powerful nor'easter moving toward the East Coast this weekend is forecast to deliver heavy rain, strong onshore winds and significant coastal flooding, officials said. Coastal flood warnings and high-wind watches have already been issued for much of the region, with additional alerts expected later Thursday.
Rainfall of two to three inches or more is most likely from Rhode Island to eastern Massachusetts, while wind gusts could reach 50-60 mph, raising the risk of downed trees and power lines. Coastal flooding is projected to be one to three feet above high tide, and a full moon on Saturday night may amplify tide levels. Wave heights are expected to reach 12 feet at Ocean City, New Jersey, and up to 22 feet along parts of New England.
Moderate to major flooding is possible from North Carolina to Nantucket, Massachusetts, with southeastern Virginia, particularly the Virginia Beach-to-Norfolk corridor, facing the greatest threat of one-to-three-foot inundation.
"Charge your devices and stock up on batteries ahead of possible power outages," Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden advised residents as crews cleared debris from storm drains in New Jersey.
The storm follows another system already affecting the Eastern Seaboard with high winds and rough surf. In Massachusetts, residents have been securing boats and some have altered personal plans, including a couple postponing a beach wedding. The Boston Red Sox moved their season-final game to Friday to avoid weather disruptions.
Elsewhere, heavy rains in the Southwest have caused flooding in New Mexico, and Tropical Storm Nolo near Hawaii’s Big Island is expected to bring up to 30 inches of rain and could intensify into a Category 3 hurricane, though a direct landfall is not anticipated.