Significant Nor’easter bringing coastal flooding, strong winds and heavy rain to U.S. Northeast

I-95 at Clay Avenue

A significant Nor’easter is expected to continue affecting coastal areas of the northeastern United States through the weekend and into Monday, with major coastal flooding, strong winds and periods of heavy rain forecast.

A strong low-pressure system is churning off the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coast Saturday afternoon. Additional energy moving southeast across the Mid-Atlantic is expected to merge with the storm, drawing the system closer to New Jersey and Long Island through Saturday night.

The storm’s strongest impacts are expected along coastal southern New England and the northern Mid-Atlantic beginning Sunday.

North to northeasterly winds are forecast to strengthen to gale or storm force, particularly near the coast, while periods of moderate to heavy rain continue.

Major coastal flooding expected

Major coastal flooding is expected along portions of the Mid-Atlantic coast over multiple high-tide cycles through the weekend. The flooding threat is being enhanced by high tides associated with the full moon.

Low-lying coastal areas could see significant inundation, including flooded roads and impacts to homes and businesses.

Large breaking waves are also expected to continue producing dangerous rip currents, beach erosion, road closures and property damage from the Carolinas through the Mid-Atlantic and into southern New England.

Inland flooding threat

Heavy rain could also result in inland flooding from northern New Jersey into southern New England on Sunday.

By late Sunday into early Monday, the storm is expected to stall near the New Jersey coast as it gradually weakens. Strong to gale-force onshore winds are expected to continue along the New England coast from Cape Cod northward.

Moderate rain is also expected to persist across southern New England into Monday.

Residents in coastal and low-lying areas are urged to monitor the latest forecasts and prepare for flooding, strong winds and dangerous surf conditions.