The US National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of an early-season nor’easter that will move along the East Coast this weekend, posing risks of coastal flooding, high surf, strong winds and heavy rain from North Carolina to New England. Conditions are expected to be particularly severe in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, although the storm’s path and intensity could still change over the coming days.

What is a ‘nor’easter’?

A nor’easter is a storm that forms over the Atlantic near the East Coast. These systems typically develop within 100 miles (about 160 kilometers) of the shore, between New Jersey and Georgia, when cold air masses from Canada interact with relatively warm Atlantic waters, favoring the development of a low-pressure system. Nor’easters can occur at any time of year but are especially common in winter. Their impacts include strong winds, torrential rain, snow and flooding.

Although a nor’easter can look similar to a hurricane on satellite images—since both are types of cyclones—the main difference is that hurricanes originate over the warm waters of tropical regions, while nor’easters form farther north and can intensify through interaction with cold air in the atmosphere.

Forecast and potential path

The nor’easter will begin affecting parts of New England on Friday, bringing potentially heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding. The most intense effects are expected between Friday night and Saturday, when wind gusts could reach between 40 and 50 miles per hour (64 and 80 kilometers per hour) in parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, while parts of Long Island and the New Jersey coast could see gusts exceed 50 or even 60 miles per hour (80 to 97 kilometers per hour).

Rain will also spread into New York and other Mid-Atlantic areas on Saturday. By Sunday the storm will begin to weaken, though showers and some gusty winds could still occur across the region. Isolated showers may persist into Monday in parts of New England and northern New York.

Recommendations

• Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans and items on balconies, rooftops and patios before winds increase on Friday afternoon
• Clear drains, gutters and stairways so water can flow freely
• Allow extra travel time and avoid standing water on roadways
• Do not walk or drive through flowing water, and obey safety barricades
• People living near the coast should move vehicles to higher ground in advance
• Have an evacuation plan and an emergency kit ready, including medications and other supplies
• Stay away from the ocean, piers and dunes because of the risk of rip currents

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