A powerful nor'easter moving up the East Coast will bring coastal flooding, high surf, strong winds and heavy rain from North Carolina to New England this week, according to the Weather Channel.
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A nor'easter is a macro-scale cyclone that forms along the East Coast of North America and are characterized by strong winds. These storms can occur year-round but are most frequent and severe between September and April.
The nor'easter formulating this weekend projects to carry wind gusts of 50 MPH and could strike Jersey Shore, according to AccuWeather's Carl Erickson.
"Minor to moderate coastal flooding can occur, worst on Friday and Saturday by sustained onshore winds combined with this Saturday's full moon, which will push tides higher than normal," Erickson told the New York Post.
"Some of the most flood-prone waterfront locations could see brief, minor flooding as early as this evening's high tide. Staten Island is specifically prone to this. A with Long Island."
East Coast Braces For Storm
The Weather Channel reports that the nor'easter is beginning to strengthen Thursday and is heading north.
The effects of the season's first storm could be felt for several days, experts predict.
"If the storm nearly stalls, several days of persistent onshore winds and pounding surf could take a significant toll on beaches and vulnerable coastal communities. Especially with astronomically high tides coinciding," said Alyssa Glenney, an AccuWeather meteorologist.
The Weather Channel said coastal flood alerts were in place across the mid-Atlantic. Winds were likely to bring sea rise up to 3 feet above normal levels. However, uncertainty remains about exactly where the system would be at the end of the week.
"Forecast models are picking up on the low. But two models show that the timing and duration of the storm could differ," the Weather Channel said on its website.
Nor'easters usually develop within 100 miles of the coast between Georgia and New Jersey. They typically progress steadily northeastward, typically attaining maximum intensity near New England.
Widespread rainfall totals of 1-2 inches are expected from southeastern New York through eastern New England. Including Boston, according to AccuWeather Local StormMax.
