A nor’easter is a storm that forms along the East Coast, named for the northeast winds that typically blow across the Mid-Atlantic and New England.
A powerful nor’easter is expected to batter parts of the East Coast through the weekend, bringing strong winds, dangerous surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.
A nor’easter is a storm that forms along the East Coast, named for the northeast winds that typically blow across the Mid-Atlantic and New England, according to NOAA. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and destructive waves; this late-September system is expected to be a rain event rather than a snowstorm.
The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood warnings for parts of New Jersey, New York City, Long Island and southern Connecticut, warning that the storm could trigger flooding through several high-tide cycles into Sunday. A high wind warning is also in effect along the Atlantic coasts of New Jersey and Delaware, where gusts could reach 60 mph. Seas off the coast could build to 8 to 20 feet, the weather service said.
The storm’s slow movement is a key concern. Rather than quickly moving out to sea, it is expected to linger near the Northeast, extending the threat of rain, wind and high surf through the weekend and, in some areas, into Monday. Forecasters in Massachusetts warned of prolonged beach erosion and pockets of moderate coastal flooding.
The effects are already being felt farther south. Photos shared by the North Carolina Department of Transportation showed a section of Highway 12 in the Outer Banks submerged and cracked after ocean water washed over protective sand dunes meant to shield the area.
Ocean water spills over sand dunes splitting highway in Outer Banks (NCDOT)The storm has also upended major outdoor events along the East Coast. Organizers canceled the three-day All Things Go NYC festival at Forest Hills Stadium after consulting local officials, venue leaders and weather advisers over severe weather conditions, including high winds.
The Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland, was also canceled after beach erosion disrupted preparations at the site. Ed Sheeran’s Friday and Saturday concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, were called off as the storm approached New England.
The weekend’s greatest risks remain along the coast, where persistent winds could push water inland during high tide, while gusts and heavy rain could cause power outages and complicate travel.
