Sunny, Mild Weekend Ahead for South Florida with Coastal Flooding Hazards and Active Atlantic Tropics

Major coastal flooding risks are a growing concern around New Jersey and New York as the nor’easter takes shape.

AccuWeather experts say the changes in the track of the strengthening storm have expanded its impacts farther south as the low pressure moves into the New Jersey coast.

“Even a relatively small shift in the center’s track can change where the strongest onshore winds push water toward the coastline and where the heaviest rain falls,” said AccuWeather expert meteorologist Peyton Simmers. “The low-pressure center pilots the storm and draws air in and around it. Its location to land ultimately determines where the storm’s greatest impact will go.”

Nor’easter Impacts Will Stretch Throughout Northeast Through the Weekend

• Coastal Flooding: Coastal flooding and erosion remain one of the most significant impacts as wind gusts push water ashore. AccuWeather experts have identified major risks stretching from along the Jersey shore through southern Long Island, Cape Cod, and the eastern Massachusetts coastline. Astronomical high tides associated with the full moon will worsen coastal flooding.
• Wind: Wind gusts of 60-80 mph are expected along northern Long Island into southern Cape Cod. Wet ground could make trees more susceptible to toppling in strong winds, which could lead to localized and regional power outages.
• Rain: Bands of significant rain of 4-8 inches are expected near and south of Boston, through Rhode Island, and across central Long Island. Central New Jersey could also experience significant rain near the center of the storm.

Storm Timing: Nor’easter Impacts Are Arriving Now

The first bands or rain and elevated wind speeds begin Friday across the region, with the most significant impacts in New York City and Long Island arriving early Saturday. The storm moves northeast throughout the weekend with the timing of the most significant impacts around Boston and Providence Saturday and Sunday.

The nor’easter has already made its presence felt along the Mid-Atlantic, causing coastal flooding and rough surf along parts of the coast. Roads were flooded in Norfolk, Virginia, while a stretch of N.C. Highway 12 along the Outer Banks was closed due to coastal flooding. Wind gusts have topped 50 mph along the Virginia coast, with offshore waves exceeding 23 feet.