A strengthening area of low-pressure is developing into a potentially strong nor’easter and could cause “major” coastal flooding Sunday and Monday for parts of the mid-Atlantic, which has triggered New Jersey to declare a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
The mixture of powerful and consistent northeast winds with high tides will pound surf into the U.S. East Coast from Virginia to New England. According to current forecasts from the National Weather Service, the majority of flooding is expected to take place on the coasts of New Jersey and Delaware, particularly along the Delaware Bay. (RELATED: Subtropical Storm Karen Strangely Forms In North Atlantic Ocean)
For Sunday and Monday, Coastal Flood Watches have been put into place as waves could be between 12-15 feet, meaning some areas will experience tides 2-4 feet above the average size.
“Moderate to Major coastal flood impacts are increasingly likely,” stated forecasters Friday at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey. “Widespread roadway flooding and impassable roads, inundation of structures, and evacuations are possible Sunday-Monday.”
High Wind Watches are also in effect from Long Island to the coasts of New Jersey and Delaware.
The region could see wind gusts up to 60 mph with the coast experiencing 25-35 mph sustained winds, which will provide fuel to the high surf. Effective Sunday and Monday, New York has already suspended their Fire Island ferry service.
Inland areas could also experience flash flooding due to heavy rains, with the coast potentially seeing 3-5 inches of rain into Tuesday.
A huge Level 2/4 flash flood risk for Sunday has been issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center from Norfolk, Virginia to Philadelphia, New York City and the southern region of New England.
