A nor’easter churned its way up the East Coast on Sunday, with New Jersey declaring a state of emergency and some airports posting delays and cancellations in advance of anticipated coastal flooding and strong winds, as another storm system struck farther south with heavy rain.
“The greatest effects are going to be the coastal flooding potential, especially for areas from northeastern North Carolina northward to much of the New Jersey coast,” said meteorologist Bob Oravec with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland.
Heavy rain also was forecast for southeast New England, the New York City area, and parts of coastal South Carolina, Oravec added.
New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since Saturday night, expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary.
Moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds reaching up to 60 mph (97 kph), and up to 5 inches (around 13 centimeters) of rainfall are anticipated, potentially leading to beach erosion. Volunteers have begun placing sandbags at various beaches.
In New York City, the National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning and wind advisory through at least Monday afternoon. Coastal areas of Long Island could see flooding, with up to 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) of rain and gusty winds expected.
Wind gusts of more than 30 mph (48 kph) were recorded in the region on Sunday morning, causing further concerns for residents and emergency services.
Flight delays and cancellations have been reported at airports from Washington, D.C. to Boston. The storm is forecasted to move out by Monday night, but its impact is expected to linger in affected areas.
