Nor'easter day by day forecast: What to expect on the US East Coast through Monday

An intensifying nor’easter is expected to bring coastal flooding, high surf, heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the U.S. East Coast over the weekend, with impacts extending from North Carolina to New England, according to The Weather Channel.

New York and especially Boston are expected to remain weather-sensitive areas as the storm moves north and strengthens.

The Weather Channel said the nor’easter will begin to strengthen on Thursday. Even before this intensification, the pressure difference between a low pressure system off the east coast and high pressure over eastern Canada produced 30 to 40 mph wind gusts along parts of the east coast.

These persistent winds push ocean and bay water toward the coast, increasing the risk of coastal flooding during high tide.

A 16-mile stretch of North Carolina Highway 12 in Dare County has already been closed in both directions due to ocean flooding. The closure extends from Sea Oats Drive to Oregon Inlet Road.

Here’s the daily forecast from The Weather Channel:

Thursday: Coastal flooding, gusty winds

High tide coastal flooding and gusty winds are expected from Massachusetts to the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The eastern Carolinas could also see some showers.

The Weather Channel said water levels are expected to reach major flood stage in some places during Thursday morning’s high tide as sustained winds drive water from the ocean and bays toward the coast.

Friday: Heavy rain and stronger winds

By Friday, rain, potentially strong, stronger winds and coastal flooding are expected to spread to parts of southeastern New England.

Long Island is also expected to experience coastal flooding during high tide.

Gusty winds will continue from Massachusetts south into the Virginia Tidewater and parts of northern North Carolina.

Saturday: Major effects of the storm

Saturday could bring some of the most significant nor’easter influences of Easter.

The Weather Channel expects locally heavy rain and strong winds for much of the coast and southern New England. The rain could spread to New York.

Another round of tidal coastal flooding is possible from New England to at least parts of the mid-Atlantic coast.

The heaviest rainfall is expected over coastal New England, increasing the potential for flash flooding, especially in urban areas such as the Boston metropolitan area.

Heavy rain could also worsen coastal flooding in parts of southeastern New England.

The strongest winds are expected from the coast and southeastern New England to eastern Long Island, where gusts above 50 mph could occur at times.

The Weather Channel said the conditions could cause tree damage and power outages, especially around Boston, Providence and Cape Cod.

Sunday: North Easter weakens

The nor’easter is forecast to weaken on Sunday, but its effects will not disappear anytime soon.

Showers and some gusty winds could continue across much of New England, possibly extending into New York’s Hudson Valley.

Coastal areas could still see lingering effects from the storm.

Monday: Showers

Showers could persist into parts of New England and upstate New York into Monday, though the nor’easter itself is expected to weaken considerably.

Risk of coastal flooding and beach erosion

The most significant coastal flooding Friday night or early Saturday is expected from the southern New Jersey shore to the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina, including the Virginia Tidewater, Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay, according to The Weather Channel.

These areas could experience flooding during several high tides through at least the beginning of this weekend.

Repeated high surf could also cause beach erosion along vulnerable stretches of coastline.

At least minor tidal coastal flooding is expected to develop in parts of New England by late Friday and continue into the weekend.

High winds and power outages

In addition to the strongest winds expected in New England and eastern Long Island, gusts of 40 to 50 mph could occur further south along the Jersey Shore, Delaware and Virginia Tidewater.

The Weather Channel said sporadic power outages and tree limb damage are possible in these areas.

Rainfall totals are expected to be significantly lower further inland. In the New York City metropolitan area, the heaviest rain is forecast for eastern Long Island, with lower rainfall toward the New Jersey suburbs.

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