Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Nor’easter Threatens East Coast With Winds, Flooding and Rain
A strong coastal storm called a nor’easter is moving along the US East Coast.
It is expected to affect areas from North Carolina to New England.
Strong winds can push seawater onto land when the tide is high, causing coastal flooding.
Heavy rain is expected on Friday and Saturday, especially near New England and Boston.
Some wind gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph.
The wind and rain may damage trees, cause power outages and make travel difficult.
New York City may receive rain, while eastern Long Island could get heavier rain.
A road in North Carolina is already closed because seawater washed over it.
The storm should weaken Sunday, but showers and coastal problems may continue into Monday.
A strengthening nor’easter is expected to affect the US East Coast from North Carolina to New England through Monday.
Coastal flooding could occur during multiple high tides, with the greatest risk from the northern Outer Banks to southern New Jersey.
Heavy rain and the strongest winds are expected Friday and Saturday across coastal New England and eastern Long Island.
Wind gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph, causing tree damage, power outages and travel disruptions near Boston, Providence and Cape Cod.
A 16-mile section of North Carolina Highway 12 is closed because of ocean overwash, while beach erosion and flash flooding are possible.
- Who
- Residents, travelers and coastal communities from North Carolina to New England, especially around Boston, New York City and eastern Long Island.
- What
- A strengthening nor’easter is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain, high surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion.
- When
- Thursday through Monday, with the strongest impacts expected Friday and Saturday.
- Where
- The storm will affect the US East Coast from the northern Outer Banks and Virginia Tidewater to New England, Long Island and New York City.
- Why
- A pressure difference between an offshore low-pressure system and high pressure over eastern Canada is producing persistent winds that push ocean and bay water toward the coast.
- Forecast period
- Thursday through Monday
- Affected region
- North Carolina to New England
- Potential wind gusts
- 50 to 60 mph in parts of coastal New England and eastern Long Island
- Main coastal-flooding zone
- Northern Outer Banks of North Carolina to southern New Jersey, including Virginia Tidewater, Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay
- Heaviest rain
- Coastal New England, with possible flash flooding around the Boston metropolitan region
- Road closure
- A 16-mile stretch of North Carolina Highway 12 in Dare County is closed in both directions because of ocean overwash
- Travel impacts
- Delays are possible at Boston Logan International Airport and New York City's three major airports
