Powerful Nor’easter Threatens East Coast With Flooding and Damaging Winds
A powerful nor’easter is threatening coastal communities from North Carolina to Maine with heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, dangerous surf and widespread power outages through the weekend.
The slow-moving system began affecting parts of the Mid-Atlantic earlier this week and is expected to strengthen as it approaches New York and New England. Its effects could reach roughly a dozen states before conditions begin improving Monday.
Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall. AccuWeather forecasts widespread totals of 4 to 8 inches, with a localized upper-end total of 13 inches possible.
Rainfall of that magnitude could produce flash flooding along small waterways and inundate streets, underpasses and other low-lying areas.
Wind damage represents another significant concern, particularly across coastal Massachusetts and eastern Long Island. AccuWeather expects gusts of 40 to 60 mph across southeastern New England, with isolated gusts potentially reaching 80 mph.
National Weather Service forecasts are more conservative but still call for potentially damaging conditions. Gusts could reach approximately 40 to 55 mph around Long Island and 45 to 60 mph along exposed portions of the Massachusetts coastline.
Trees that remain covered in leaves will face greater pressure from the wind, increasing the possibility of downed branches, electrical lines and extended power outages across New York and New England.
New York officials urged residents to prepare for flooded roads, dangerous surf and possible interruptions to electrical service.
New York City issued a travel advisory from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Officials said 2 to 3 inches of rain could fall across the city, while localized areas could receive between 4 and 5 inches.
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected in the city from Friday night through Saturday night. Moderate coastal flooding is possible around the Rockaways, Jamaica Bay and portions of Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Officials advised residents to move vehicles away from flood-prone streets, secure outdoor furniture and charge phones and other electronic devices. People living in basement apartments were told to remain prepared to move to higher floors if flooding develops.
Conditions will be particularly dangerous offshore. The National Weather Service issued storm warnings for portions of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal waters.
Forecasters expect peak offshore wind gusts of 35 to 60 knots and waves reaching between 15 and 25 feet. Mariners have been urged to remain in port or return before conditions deteriorate.
Beach communities are also taking precautions. Nahant, Massachusetts, closed its beaches through the storm, while Atlantic City, New Jersey, prohibited swimming through the weekend.
Rip-current warnings extend across portions of North Carolina, the Jersey Shore and the greater New York City area. Swimmers have been told to remain out of the water because powerful currents can rapidly pull people away from shore, according to Trending Politics.
Coastal flooding could continue through several high-tide cycles as persistent northeast winds push ocean water toward land. Beach erosion and flooded waterfront roads are expected in vulnerable communities.
Nor’easters derive their name from the strong northeast winds that develop as low-pressure systems move along the East Coast. Although commonly associated with winter, the storms can develop at any time of year.
Forecasters said this system’s slow movement could subject coastal areas to repeated flooding, heavy rain and damaging winds throughout the weekend.
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