Weather trackers are monitoring a powerful coastal storm moving toward 12 states across the Northeast, where millions are bracing for severe flooding, hurricane-force wind gusts and possible power outages.
The major nor’easter is forecast to dump several inches of rain from Virginia to Maine between Friday and Sunday night. In a broad area spanning parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, rainfall could reach as much as eight inches.
A nor’easter is a powerful storm that develops along the US East Coast. Its name comes from the northeast winds that sweep across the Mid-Atlantic and New England as a low-pressure system sits over the Atlantic Ocean.
Forecast models indicate that the storm could develop a hurricane-like eye as it reaches the East Coast this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued widespread coastal flood and high-wind warnings.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state was “preparing for the worst” and called on residents—particularly those in New York City and Long Island—to prepare for potentially deadly fallen power lines and flooded roads.
AccuWeather said the worst-case forecast could bring up to 13 inches of rain and hurricane-force gusts reaching 80mph in some locations. The Massachusetts coast and eastern Long Island are considered the most likely areas to experience the strongest conditions.
Officials have warned coastal communities in North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts that the nor’easter could drive two to three feet of seawater onto land, creating life-threatening flooding.
Widespread power outages are also possible in parts of New York, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire as falling trees damage power lines.
Widespread downpours and flooding are expected across 12 states in the Northeast and New England
The weekend nor’easter is expected to create potentially life-threatening conditions not only for people along East Coast beaches, but also for ships and boats operating in the Atlantic.
The NWS said waves along the Northeast coast could climb to 28 feet, posing a serious threat to vessels traveling between New Jersey and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
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The NWS warned: “Storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.”
Onshore, officials have issued urgent rip-current warnings in parts of North Carolina, along the Jersey Shore and across the greater New York City area. Beachgoers and swimmers have been urged to stay out of the water from Friday through the weekend.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that move rapidly away from the shoreline and can pull swimmers out to sea.
They can be deadly, carrying people into deeper water and leaving them exhausted as they attempt to swim against the current.
Nahant, a coastal town about eight miles from Boston, has closed all of its beaches. Fire department officials told Boston 25 News that “anyone who enters the water during the storm could be putting themselves at significant risk.”
The approaching storm is already affecting air travel in the Northeast, with the first delays reported at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
A ground stop caused by high winds is in effect until at least 10.45am ET.
This is a breaking story. More details will follow.
Several feet of seawater are forecast to surge onto the shore as the nor’easter moves along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine
AccuWeather has warned that regional power outages are possible in New York and Massachusetts as winds knock down trees and cut power lines
Flooding began on Wednesday in the Mid-Atlantic, with neighborhoods in Virginia covered with inches of rain
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