Second Nor’easter in Weeks Unleashes Destructive Surf and Overwash Across the Mid-Atlantic

Another round of relentless surf and coastal flooding is battering an already storm-weary East Coast, as a second significant nor’easter in less than a month threatens further damage to vulnerable beaches, dunes and coastal roads.

The slow-moving storm is expected to strengthen Tuesday, with the worst impacts along North Carolina’s Outer Banks and southeastern Virginia. Along the Outer Banks, ocean overwash has already returned to portions of Highway 12, just weeks after crews repaired damage from September’s nor’easter.

“Nor’easters aren’t unusual in the fall, but having two significant coastal storms within weeks of each other is especially tough on communities still recovering from the last,” said AccuWeather expert meteorologist Bill Deger. “El Niño can influence the larger storm pattern along the East Coast, particularly during winter, but it takes more than two storms to establish that connection. The immediate concern is the relentless pounding of waves against beaches and dunes that may already be weakened from previous storms. Each high tide can bring more flooding, wash away more sand and put coastal roads, homes and businesses at greater risk.”

Nor’easter Timeline: Where and When Impacts Will Be Greatest

• Tuesday: The storm strengthens offshore, bringing powerful winds, pounding surf and coastal flooding to southeastern Virginia and North Carolina’s Outer Banks, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Nags Head and Cape Hatteras.
• Wednesday: Persistent onshore winds and repeated high tides continue to worsen coastal flooding and beach erosion along the Virginia and North Carolina coasts. Portions of Highway 12 along the Outer Banks could become impassable due to overwash.
• Thursday: As the storm shifts northward, gusty conditions and coastal hazards extend to New Jersey, Long Island, southern Rhode Island and Cape Cod, although impacts are expected to be less significant than farther south.

What AccuWeather Expert Meteorologists Are Tracking

• Coastal flooding: Water levels could rise 2-3 feet above normal, locally reaching 4-6 feet in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
• Damaging winds: Gusts of 40-60 mph are expected from southern New Jersey to near Cape Lookout, North Carolina, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 70 mph.
• Travel disruptions: Coastal roads could become impassable during high tides, while dangerous marine conditions disrupt boating and commercial traffic.

AccuWeather meteorologists are also monitoring another potential coastal storm near the Bahamas this weekend, which could bring additional wind, surf and erosion threats from Florida to North Carolina.