An impactful nor’easter is currently developing along the East Coast, bringing with it damaging winds and heavy rainfall. As it tracks north along the mid-Atlantic region, the storm is expected to disrupt air travel and pose significant flooding threats to coastal areas.
Understanding the Nor’easter’s Impact
This nor’easter is characterized by wind patterns that come from the northeast, pushing water toward the coast. This results in heightened risks of beach erosion and coastal flooding. Wind gusts exceeding 50 mph have already been recorded, with a peak gust of 61 mph reported at Cape Lookout, North Carolina.
Coastal Flooding Threat
Significant water level rises are anticipated along various coastlines, including:
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
Specific areas like Atlantic City may see water levels surpassing 8 feet by Monday, the highest since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Cape May is also expected to experience significant flooding, reaching third-highest levels on record since 2016.
Adverse Coastal Conditions
The slow progression of the storm means that multiple rounds of heavy rain and high winds will continue to affect coastal regions, increasing the risk of erosion. Already, North Carolina Highway 12 has experienced closures due to ocean overwash, and officials have advised caution in the Outer Banks.
Emergency Declarations and Alerts
In response to the storm, acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency on Saturday night. Other state leaders, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, have also issued warnings urging residents to take precautions.
Moore emphasized the importance of safety, advising Maryland residents to stay vigilant during the storm.
Weather Projections and Concerns
This storm is not classified as a tropical system, yet the wind gusts are comparable to those seen in tropical storms. Sustained winds of 40 to 55 mph will impact many areas, particularly from New Jersey to southern New England. These conditions could lead to power outages and travel delays at major airports in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston.
Rainfall and Flooding Risks
East Coast regions could receive rainfall amounts between 1 to 3 inches, with localized areas in North Carolina and southeastern New England potentially experiencing up to 6 inches. This rain, combined with the storm’s wind and movement, raises the potential for flash flooding.
The nor’easter is expected to weaken or move away from the coast by Tuesday, paving the way for clearer skies and calmer conditions as high pressure builds in.
