Major Nor'easter Threatens 12 States With Hurricane-Force Winds, Flooding
Millions along the US East Coast are bracing for a powerful coastal storm expected to bring heavy rain, dangerous surf, and potential power outages from Friday through Sunday.
A significant nor'easter is poised to impact 12 states along the U.S. East Coast, bringing the threat of hurricane-force winds, substantial flooding, and widespread power disruptions. The storm is forecast to develop rapidly and sweep through the region from Friday into Sunday night.
Forecasters anticipate several inches of rain across a broad area stretching from Virginia to Maine. Some locations in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts could receive as much as eight inches of precipitation. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued coastal flood and high wind warnings for much of the affected region.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stated the state is "preparing for the worst," urging residents in New York City and Long Island to take precautions against potentially life-threatening downed power lines and flooded streets. AccuWeather projects a worst-case scenario could involve up to 13 inches of rain and wind gusts reaching 80 mph in some areas, particularly along the Massachusetts coast and eastern Long Island.
Coastal communities from North Carolina to Maine have been alerted to the possibility of two to three feet of seawater inundating low-lying areas. This surge could create life-threatening flood conditions. Regional power outages are a concern for parts of New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire due to the expected impact of high winds on trees and power infrastructure.
The storm is also expected to generate hazardous conditions at sea, with NWS officials warning that ocean waves could reach heights of 28 feet along the Northeast coast. This poses a significant danger to maritime traffic between New Jersey and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Mariners have been advised to remain in port or take measures to secure their vessels.
Onshore, urgent rip current warnings have been issued for coastal areas including parts of North Carolina, the Jersey Shore, and the New York City metropolitan area. These strong, fast-moving channels of water flowing away from the shore can pose a deadly risk to swimmers.
Flooding has already begun in some areas, with reports of neighborhoods in Virginia experiencing inches of rain as of Wednesday.