Nor'easter hits US East Coast with 60 mph winds, flooding, rain; Boston, New York on standby

A nor’easter is strengthening off the U.S. East Coast and is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and high surf from the Carolinas to New England over the weekend, according to The Weather Channel.

The storm could produce wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph in some areas, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages. Norfolk, Atlantic City, New York, Nantucket and Boston are among the areas expected to see impacts.

The Weather Channel said New York City, and especially Boston, should be on the lookout for weather this weekend, with residents advised to prepare for conditions much like a tropical storm.

Coastal flooding threat from North Carolina to New Jersey

The most significant coastal flooding is expected from the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina to the southern New Jersey coast, including the Virginia Tidewater, Chesapeake Bay, and Delaware Bay.

Flooding is forecast during several high tides through at least the beginning of this weekend.

Repeated high surf is expected to erode beaches along the coast, with some areas potentially facing extreme erosion.

Parts of New England may experience at least minor coastal tidal flooding late Friday into the weekend. High surf and coastal flooding warnings include Boston.

Boston faces heavy rain and strong winds

The heaviest rainfall is expected over coastal New England from Friday (Sept. 25) into the weekend with the potential for flash flooding, especially in urban areas including the Boston metropolitan region, The Weather Channel reported.

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

A high wind warning is in effect for Boston and parts of New England. The strongest winds are expected Friday and Saturday, especially from eastern Long Island to the coast and southeastern New England.

Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, with tree damage and power outages around Boston, Providence and Cape Cod.

Occasional gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible from the Jersey Shore through the Delaware and Virginia Tidewater. Scattered power outages and tree limb damage could also occur in these areas.

New York could see heavier rain on eastern Long Island

In the New York City metropolitan area, the heaviest rainfall is expected in eastern Long Island, while areas further west, including the New Jersey suburbs, are expected to see less rain.

Rain is expected to spread into New York on Saturday, while coastal flooding could re-emerge around the tide from New England to parts of the mid-Atlantic coast.

Forecast for Easter: Friday to Monday

Friday: Rain, potentially strong, stronger winds and coastal flooding should affect parts of southeastern New England. Long Island could see coastal flooding around high tide, while gusty winds continue from Massachusetts into the Virginia Tidewater and parts of northern North Carolina.

Saturday: Locally heavy rain and strong winds are expected for much of the coast and southern New England, with rain spreading into New York. Tidal coastal flooding could again affect New England and parts of the mid-Atlantic coast.

Sunday: The nor’easter should weaken, though showers and gusty winds could persist across much of New England and potentially the Hudson Valley.

Monday: Some showers could linger in parts of the Northeast before gradually moving away.

Possible travel disruption

The storm could also disrupt travel across the Northeast.

The Weather Channel said Boston Logan International Airport is most likely to experience delays over the weekend, with delays also possible at New York’s three major airports.

Downed trees, tree limbs and flash flooding could affect road travel in southeastern and coastal New England and eastern Long Island.

People are advised to avoid coastal areas from northern North Carolina to southeastern New England around high tide over the weekend.

What is a nor’easter?

A Nor’easter is a strong storm that develops along the US East Coast, usually around a low pressure system offshore. It got its name from the strong north-easterly winds that blow towards the coast. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, high surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion. Depending on their strength and location, they can disrupt air and road traffic, damage trees and power lines, and cause widespread power outages. They can also cause significant flooding along vulnerable coastal areas.

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