A powerful nor’easter threatens to flood coastal neighborhoods and knock out power along the East Coast this weekend as heavy rain, damaging winds and dangerous surf move into the region.
Coastal Massachusetts and eastern Long Island could face some of the strongest winds. AccuWeather’s upper-end forecast puts localized gusts at 80 mph, raising the threat of falling trees and widespread power outages.
The heaviest rainfall is expected farther east. AccuWeather forecasts 4 to 8 inches across southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island, with a localized maximum of 13 inches possible.
The 80 mph gusts and 13-inch rainfall total are localized upper-end estimates. National Weather Service forecasts call for peak gusts of roughly 40 to 55 mph around Long Island and 45 to 60 mph along exposed sections of the Massachusetts coast.
Rain and wind are expected to intensify Friday and continue through the weekend, threatening travel and outdoor plans from the Mid-Atlantic into New England.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state is “preparing for the worst” and urged residents, particularly in New York City and on Long Island, to prepare for flooded streets and fallen electrical lines that could prove fatal.
Power outages are a concern across parts of New York, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire as trees still carrying their leaves take the full force of the wind.
The weather service has issued a mix of coastal flood warnings, high wind warnings and wind advisories across affected areas. Communities along the waterfront also face beach erosion as the storm pushes water toward shore through multiple high tides.
In the New York area, the greatest coastal flooding impacts are expected Saturday and Sunday. Rain could linger into Monday.
Offshore, conditions could turn treacherous for boaters and commercial vessels. The weather service’s Boston office forecasts seas of 15 to 25 feet, with storm warnings covering its coastal waters.
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“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,” the weather service warned.
Officials are also trying to keep swimmers out of the water.
Nahant, Massachusetts, about 8 miles from Boston, has closed its beaches. Fire officials told Boston 25 News that “anyone who enters the water during the storm could be putting themselves at significant risk.”
Atlantic City, New Jersey, has also closed its beaches through the weekend.
“We’re gonna keep the water closed for any kind of bathing. Our guys are out there making sure that stays the case. It’s obviously not safe to swim at all,” Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey told WPVI on Thursday.
Rip current warnings have been issued for parts of North Carolina, the Jersey Shore and the greater New York City area, with swimmers urged to stay ashore Friday and through the weekend.
The narrow, fast-moving currents can pull people into deeper water and exhaust swimmers who try to fight their way back against the flow.
Nor’easters take their name from the northeast winds that develop along the East Coast as low-pressure systems move offshore. This storm’s slow movement could prolong the pounding, exposing coastal communities to repeated rounds of flooding before conditions improve.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
