Coastal flooding and strong winds expected as October nor'easter lingers along Atlantic seaboard

An October nor'easter continues to track close to the Atlantic coast, bringing high surf, rip currents, coastal flooding and gusty winds to parts of the East Coast for several more days. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the system for possible subtropical development and would assign the name Josephine if it reaches that stage.

Coastal flood alerts are in effect for portions of North Carolina, where inundation of one to four feet is possible and wave heights could reach 14 feet. Adjacent states—including Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey—face potential inundation up to one foot and waves up to 10 feet. River gauges from North Carolina to Maryland may rise to moderate flood stage by Thursday. The threat of high surf, coastal flooding and rip currents extends from Florida’s Atlantic beaches to New England’s coastline, with significant beach erosion anticipated.

Wind advisories call for gusts up to 40 mph, particularly across the Outer Banks, where power outages and travel delays are possible. While the system is not expected to produce heavy rain inland, intermittent showers may affect coastal areas.

The low-pressure center is forecast to remain offshore, gradually moving northeast. By Thursday it should be off the Massachusetts coast, bringing strong winds and rough conditions to Cape Cod. A cold front is expected to pick up the low on Friday, accelerating its movement out to sea and allowing weather to improve later in the week, with clearer skies anticipated by the weekend.

Residents from North Carolina to the Delmarva Peninsula are advised to prepare for windy conditions, possible rain, and coastal flooding at high tide. Beachgoers should heed any red-flag warnings for rip currents and avoid the surf zone if waves appear dangerous. Updated forecasts will be provided through The Weather Channel’s platforms.