Boston, Massachusetts — A strengthening nor’easter is expected to bring coastal flooding, heavy rain, high surf and strong winds to parts of the East Coast through the weekend, with the most significant impacts developing from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.

The storm could affect communities stretching from North Carolina and the Virginia Tidewater to the Jersey Shore, New York and New England. Boston and New York City are among the major population centers that could see disruptive weather, particularly as stronger winds and heavier rainfall arrive later in the weekend.

Strong Winds and Coastal Flooding Already Developing

The nor’easter had not yet reached its peak strength, but the pressure difference between low pressure developing off the East Coast and high pressure over eastern Canada was already producing gusty winds along the Eastern Seaboard.

Some coastal locations from southern New Jersey and Delaware to the Virginia Tidewater were already reporting wind gusts topping 40 mph.

Those persistent winds are also pushing ocean and bay water toward the coastline, creating a growing coastal flooding concern.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding was reported during Wednesday morning’s high tide from parts of the Jersey Shore to southeastern Virginia.

Flooding was also reported in downtown Norfolk, Smithfield and Suffolk, Virginia, according to the National Weather Service.

Friday Brings More Rain and Rising Flood Risks

The storm’s impacts are expected to expand Friday as rain spreads into southeastern New England.

Heavy rain and stronger winds could affect portions of the region, while Long Island could experience coastal flooding around high tide.

Gusty winds are expected to continue farther south, extending from New Jersey through the Virginia Tidewater and into parts of northern North Carolina.

The repeated arrival of high tides will be an important factor because water pushed toward the coastline by persistent winds can compound normal tidal flooding.

Saturday Could Be the Storm’s Most Disruptive Day

Saturday is expected to bring some of the most significant impacts of the nor’easter.

Locally heavy rain and strong winds are possible across much of coastal and southern New England, while high-tide coastal flooding could once again stretch from New England into portions of the Mid-Atlantic.

Some light rain could also reach farther inland, including parts of the Hudson Valley and New Jersey.

The heaviest rainfall is expected to focus on coastal New England, where repeated downpours could create problems for low-lying and urban areas.

Boston Faces Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Risk

The Boston metropolitan area could be one of the areas to watch closely.

Forecasters expect the heaviest rainfall to occur across coastal New England from Friday through the weekend, raising concerns about localized flash flooding.

Urban areas can be especially vulnerable because pavement and other developed surfaces limit the amount of water that can soak into the ground.

Heavy rainfall could also make coastal flooding worse around high tide in southeastern New England.

In the New York City region, rainfall is expected to be heavier across eastern Long Island, with lighter totals farther west toward the New Jersey suburbs.

Winds Could Top 50 MPH

The strongest winds are expected this weekend across coastal and southeastern New England and eastern Long Island. Some wind gusts could exceed 50 mph, particularly in exposed coastal locations.

Those winds could result in downed tree limbs, isolated tree damage and power outages, with Boston, Providence and Cape Cod among the areas that could experience disruptions.

Farther south, occasional gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible from the Jersey Shore through Delaware and the Virginia Tidewater. While the impacts may be less widespread in those areas, sporadic power outages and tree-limb damage remain possible.

Travel Could Become Difficult Across the Northeast

The weather could also complicate weekend travel.

Boston Logan International Airport is expected to face the greatest potential for delays, while New York City’s three major airports could also experience disruptions at times.

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On the roads, downed trees and tree limbs could create hazards across southeastern and coastal New England as well as eastern Long Island. Flash flooding could also make some roads dangerous.

Drivers should be particularly cautious around coastal areas from northern North Carolina to southeastern New England during high tides.

Nor’easter Weakens Sunday, But Rain May Linger

The storm is expected to gradually weaken Sunday, but the weather will not immediately return to normal.

Rain showers and occasional gusty winds could continue across much of New England, with some impacts potentially extending into the Hudson Valley.

By Monday, lingering showers could remain possible across parts of New England and upstate New York.

For coastal communities, however, the most important concern through the weekend will be the combination of high tides, storm-driven water, heavy rain and strong winds.

Is the nor’easter expected to affect your area this weekend? Share your city and state in the comments and let us know what weather conditions you’re preparing for.