Major nor’easter to bring coastal flooding, strong winds and heavy rain to U.S. East Coast

A rapidly strengthening nor’easter in the western Atlantic is expected to bring significant coastal impacts to much of the U.S. East Coast through the weekend and into early next week.

The storm is forecast to track north toward Long Island, spreading rain across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through Friday night and Saturday.

Heavy rain is expected at times across southern New England, where several inches of rainfall could result in inland flooding.

Rain will continue into Sunday as the storm moves toward the New Jersey coast before turning northeast early next week.

Eastern Long Island and southeastern New England are expected to see wind gusts exceeding 80 km/h. The strong winds could cause tree damage and power outages.

Along the coast, persistent onshore winds combined with high surf and high astronomical tides are expected to produce widespread major coastal flooding through the weekend.

Low-lying coastal areas could experience significant inundation, while dangerous rip currents and beach erosion will also pose hazards.

The system is expected to continue affecting the region into early next week as it loops northeastward.