Millions of residents across the Northeast are preparing for a powerful nor’easter that is expected to unleash rain and strong winds throughout the weekend. The storm, which has already begun affecting coastal regions, is forecast to intensify as it moves northward along the Atlantic seaboard.
Intermittent rainfall is anticipated to begin Friday afternoon, stretching from North Carolina up to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. From Saturday through Monday, residents from New Jersey to Maine can expect on-and-off windy rain showers. By Monday, cumulative rainfall totals could range from 2 to 4 inches across the broader region, with Boston and Long Island, New York, potentially seeing higher totals between 4 and 6 inches.
Wind speeds are also expected to escalate significantly. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph have already been recorded along the Mid-Atlantic coast and are predicted to push northward by the end of the week. A high wind watch is currently in effect for Friday and Saturday along the Jersey Shore and in coastal areas from Rhode Island through Massachusetts, where gusts could reach 60 mph.
New York City may experience its strongest winds on Saturday morning, with gusts around 45 mph possible. The combination of high winds and rising tides poses a risk for coastal flooding, large waves, and beach erosion. Waves ranging from 12 feet from North Carolina’s Outer Banks to the New Jersey shore to 17 feet from Massachusetts to Maine are possible through Sunday.
The nor’easter could disrupt travel, with potential flight cancellations along the Northeast coast and an increased risk of power outages. Nor’easters, named for the northeast winds that blow into the coastal area, can occur year-round but are most frequent and severe between September and April. These storms typically produce heavy precipitation, gale-force winds, rough seas, and coastal flooding.
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