Boston, Massachusetts — Millions across the Northeast are preparing for a rare September nor’easter that could bring heavy rain, damaging winds and significant coastal flooding along the East Coast this weekend.
The storm is expected to affect a large stretch of the coastline, with coastal flood warnings and watches extending from North Carolina through New Jersey and Connecticut. Boston officials warned that the most significant impacts in the city could arrive Friday evening and continue into Saturday.
Forecast models were still showing differences Thursday over the storm’s exact track. However, forecasters had greater confidence in one major threat: a prolonged period of strong onshore winds capable of producing dangerous coastal flooding.
Boston Prepares for an Unusual September Storm
Nor’easters are familiar to residents across New England, but having one develop this early in the fall is unusual. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu highlighted the unusual timing as the city prepared residents for the storm.
“Nor’easters aren’t new for New England, but not usually in September, so we’re taking extra preparations to connect with all our residents about this rare fall nor’easter,”
Officials are urging residents to prepare for potentially difficult travel, strong winds and flooding as the storm moves through the region.
New York City Emergency Management issued a travel advisory beginning at 2 p.m. Friday and continuing through Sunday, warning residents to account for worsening weather conditions.
Heavy Rain Could Drench New England
The heaviest rainfall is expected across parts of southern New England.
Forecasts called for 2 to 3 inches of rain or more, with the highest totals most likely from Rhode Island into eastern Massachusetts. New York City could also see significant rainfall if the storm tracks farther west than originally expected.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said forecasts suggested the storm could move closer to New York City than earlier projections indicated, potentially bringing similar rainfall totals to the city.
With the storm expected to last for an extended period, saturated ground could increase the risk of localized flooding, especially in areas that receive repeated rounds of heavy precipitation.
Winds Could Reach 60 MPH
Rain will not be the only concern. Powerful winds are expected along portions of the East Coast, with gusts potentially reaching 50 to 60 mph.
Those winds could bring down trees and power lines, creating the potential for power outages and hazardous travel. Residents near the coast face an additional concern as strong onshore winds push seawater toward the shoreline.
Forecasters expect coastal water levels to rise 1 to 3 feet above high tide, with the potential for moderate to major flooding in vulnerable locations.
Full Moon Could Make Coastal Flooding Worse
The timing of the storm could make coastal flooding even more significant. A full moon is expected Saturday night, which could produce higher astronomical tides and worsen flooding during the storm.
The combination of elevated tides, strong onshore winds and large waves could create dangerous conditions along the coastline. Waves could reach 12 feet in Ocean City, New Jersey, while parts of New England could see waves as high as 22 feet.
Officials are particularly concerned about coastal communities where water could move farther inland than during a typical high-tide event.
Virginia Coast Faces Major Flooding Risk
The coastal flooding threat stretches far south of New England.
Moderate to major flooding is expected from North Carolina to Nantucket, Massachusetts, with southeastern Virginia facing one of the highest risks.
The area between Virginia Beach and Norfolk could experience major coastal inundation, with water levels potentially rising 1 to 3 feet above normal high tide levels.
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That could affect roads, waterfront properties and other low-lying areas as the storm’s strongest winds push water toward the coast.
Residents Are Already Preparing
The storm has already prompted preparations in coastal communities.
In Massachusetts, residents have been seen pulling boats from the bay ahead of the expected high tides, strong winds and flooding. One resident said he had been:
“prepping all week for both wind and water.”
The storm is also disrupting personal plans.
One Massachusetts couple changed their wedding plans after realizing that the beach ceremony they had scheduled for this weekend could be affected by the storm.
Meanwhile, a separate storm was already pounding parts of the Eastern Seaboard, producing high winds and rough surf ahead of the main nor’easter threat.
Are you in the path of the September nor’easter? How are you preparing for the heavy rain, strong winds and possible coastal flooding? Share your location and storm plans in the comments below.
