The Mid-Atlantic is bracing for a powerful coastal storm this weekend that is expected to bring major flooding damaging winds and dangerous surf conditions to the shores of New Jersey and Delaware.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Mount Holly a Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday, Oct. 12, through Monday, Oct. 13.
The primary concern is the potential for moderate to major tidal flooding. The storm — a coastal low developing off the Southeast U.S. Coast — will combine persistent strong onshore winds and high astronomical tides to create life-threatening conditions for some Mid-Atlantic communities.
Coastal residents can expect widespread roadway flooding impassable roads and potential inundation of structures. Officials warn that significant beach erosion and dune breaching are also possible.
Power outage? Here’s where New Jersey residents can get updates when the lights go out
MORE: Will weekend’s predicted storm quench drought-stricken New Jersey? Climate experts hope so
Coastal Flood Watch
A coastal flood watch is in effect for all Atlantic coastal New Jersey, Delaware and the Delaware bay from Sunday thought Monday.
The most significant threat from the coastal storm is the potential for moderate to major tidal flooding along the coastal areas of New Jersey and Delaware, including the Delaware Bay.
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday through Monday, coinciding with high tides, which could lead to widespread roadway flooding and make some roads impassable. The combination of persistent, strong onshore winds and high surf with already high astronomical tides is expected to inundate structures, requiring the possibility of evacuations in some areas.
This strong tidal surge also brings the high risk of beach erosion and dune breaching.
Weather radar: New Jersey
Damaging wind and heavy rain
The forecast suggests that northeast wind gusts could approach 60 mph along the coast with inland areas seeing gusts of 30 to 50 mph. These winds pose a threat for scattered power outages and tree damage across the region.
Widespread rainfall of one to three inches is forecast from Saturday night through Monday.
While the rain will fall over a 36 to 48 hour period, the NWS notes that locally higher amounts of three to five inches are possible. This heavy rain could still result in isolated flash flooding especially in low-lying urban areas and poor drainage spots.
Coastal areas face a compounded risk with the heavy rain potentially falling on top of the already moderate to major tidal flooding.
Source: weather.gov
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Nor’easter threatens major flooding, high winds for Jersey Shore
