The East Coast was already experiencing astronomical tidal effects from the supermoon. The storm is expected to cause further flooding in coastal areas.
What is the difference between a subtropical storm and a nor’easter?
Although subtropical storms and nor’easters have similar effects, they are distinctly different types of storms.
NEW YORK – The East Coast is bracing for heavy rain and strong winds as the Northeastern influence intensifies over the weekend.
Heavy rain has already affected coastal areas of the Southeast since Saturday, Oct. 11, creating a risk of localized flash flooding and increasing risk for urban areas and low-lying areas, the National Weather Service said in an early morning forecast. From Saturday night through at least Monday, the storm is expected to intensify with winds exceeding 45 mph, coastal flooding and coastal erosion, and rain will move north to the northeast.
“The storm is not going to go away in a hurry,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Bill Degar told USA TODAY.
A nor’easter is a storm that forms along the east coast of North America and produces a large area of severe low pressure with northeasterly winds. The latest one formed on Friday and is moving north through the Atlantic Ocean, Degar said.
The East Coast is already experiencing astronomical tidal effects from the supermoon, with water levels higher than normal as the storm further floods coastal areas. The densely populated I-95 corridor should brace for rain, but coastal areas could be hit the hardest.
Georgia and the Carolinas were experiencing heavy rain and strong winds late Saturday morning. In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which has been battered by recent hurricanes, the National Weather Service warned of 1 to 3 feet of flooding from strong winds into Saturday afternoon. Flooding was expected to increase further Saturday into Sunday.
Warning to remain vigilant
State and local officials had already issued emergency alerts.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore urged residents to remain vigilant along the coast and inland. New Jersey has already declared a state of emergency, effective Saturday at 10 p.m.
Coastal flooding could reach 1.5 to 2 feet in flood-prone areas in and around New York City, said Jay Engle, a meteorologist with the New York City Weather Bureau. Combined with high tides, the risk of flooding will be highest from Sunday afternoon into Sunday night.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to be prepared at home and to use caution if they must travel to affected areas. New York City officials warned of coastal flooding along highways, roads, underpasses and underpasses.
“New Yorkers should expect a storm this weekend that could bring high winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.
City emergency management officials advised people living in flood-prone areas or low-lying areas to move parked vehicles to higher ground or inland, gather supplies and ensure storm drains are cleared to reduce localized flooding. People should also prepare for power outages.
Degar said storms are expected in New England from Sunday through at least Monday. On Cape Cod, local officials warned of wind gusts of up to 90 mph and a coastal flood watch.
Contributors: Dinah Voyles Pulver and Doyle Rice
