Storm on the East Coast. Photo: Shutterstock A strengthening coastal storm is expected to bring significant impacts to parts of the U.S. East Coast from Wednesday, September 23, through the weekend, with coastal flooding, high surf, strong winds, and heavy rain among the main threats.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a non-tropical low-pressure system is expected to rapidly intensify offshore of the Mid-Atlantic coast Wednesday night (September 23) through Friday (September 25) )before likely moving toward southern New England this weekend.
The developing storm is expected to produce its most significant coastal effects during high tide. Persistent onshore winds, high surf and elevated astronomical tides could combine to create moderate to major coastal flooding along portions of the Eastern Seaboard from Wednesday through Friday.
Coastal residents are being urged to monitor local National Weather Service forecasts and warnings and follow instructions from local authorities.
The storm will also generate high surf along many Mid-Atlantic beaches during the middle and latter part of the week.
The Weather Prediction Center warns that the conditions could produce strong rip currents and beach erosion, with some areas potentially experiencing property damage.
Beachgoers could face particularly dangerous conditions as powerful waves combine with strong onshore winds. Officials are advising coastal communities to pay attention to local warnings as conditions develop.
Strong winds will also affect parts of the Mid-Atlantic coast. Wind gusts could exceed 45 mph through Friday, creating the potential for scattered power outages.
Some areas could also see heavy rain as the storm moves along the coast. As the system shifts toward New England over the weekend, the focus will turn increasingly to rainfall and inland flooding.
Southern New England could experience heavy rain from Friday through Sunday (September 27), with the potential for flooding in inland areas.