Unusual Nor'easter Path Brings Coastal Flood and Wind Threats to Boston Area

A nor'easter is expected to follow an unusual track, turning sharply south of Long Island and making landfall near Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Sunday. The storm will bring prolonged rain and wind to the Boston region, with the most significant impacts confined to the immediate coastline.

The National Weather Service has issued a high-wind warning for coastal areas and a wind advisory inland, with gusts of 50-65 mph forecast for Cape Ann, Cape Cod and the islands, and 40-55 mph along the rest of the coast. Inland gusts are expected to reach 30-40 mph. The strongest winds are projected to occur during Saturday daylight hours and into Saturday night, after which they will gradually diminish.

Coastal flood warnings are in effect through Sunday night for several high-tide cycles. Minor flooding is anticipated along the shoreline, with pockets of moderate flooding that could inundate 1-2 feet of water and cause road closures. Wave heights may reach 8-12 feet, with offshore swells of 10-20 feet.

Rainfall totals of 1-3 inches are expected across most of the region, with higher amounts near the coast and in southeastern Massachusetts. Isolated locations could receive 3-6 inches. Showers will begin Saturday afternoon, intensify later in the day, and continue intermittently through Sunday, with lighter rain expected on Monday and a gradual dry-out by Tuesday.

The National Weather Service advises residents, especially those in coastal zones, to monitor updates and prepare for possible power outages and localized street flooding.