New Yorkers are gearing up for a gray and gloomy weekend as a powerful early-season nor’easter threatens to wallop much of the East Coast with damaging winds, heavy rain and widespread coastal flooding.
Friday kicked off mostly mild, with temperatures likely to peak in the mid-60s — but conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate as the nor’easter strengthens and pushes north up the coast. According to the National Weather Service, it will remain mostly cloudy throughout the day before rain showers and fierce winds hit the area Friday evening and continue through Saturday morning. From there, it will only intensify, with bursts of heavy rainfall expected throughout Saturday afternoon.
The storm will likely to be its most intense Saturday evening into Sunday afternoon, during which time dangerous winds and intense downpours could disrupt travel across the region. Widespread accumulation is expected to exceed 2 inches, with localized rainfall totals forecast to reach up to 5 inches.
A wind advisory has been issued through Sunday morning. Sustained winds will reach 25–35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, capable of downing tree limbs and causing power outages. Officials additionally issued a travel advisory from Friday, September 25 at 2 p.m. through the morning of Sunday and a coastal flood warning was also in effect.
“New Yorkers should prepare for a prolonged period of strong winds along with rain and coastal flooding through much of the weekend,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “We are particularly watching the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, especially in the Rockaways, around Jamaica Bay and along the Staten Island and Brooklyn shorelines.”
She added: “Move your car away from streets that regularly flood, secure anything outside that could become airborne and never drive or walk through floodwater. We are working closely with the NWS and agencies across the city and will keep New Yorkers updated as the forecast changes.”
On Sunday, the nor’easter will begin to weaken, though New Yorkers could still experience some rainfall throughout the day into Monday, with sunshine set to return to the city on Tuesday and Wednesday.