Nor’easter to bring rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to East Coast

A low pressure is expected to develop today and bring rain, wind and coastal flooding all along the east coast this weekend into early next week.

This storm system — a nor’easter, named for the wind direction it produces — usually brings heavy snow along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast during the winter months. However, any weather disturbance can take a similar track and produce wind and heavy precipitation, and that is expected to happen this weekend into early next week.

Unfortunately, the Outer Banks of N.C. will see their third storm so far this season. As recently as two weeks ago, rough surf and big waves collapsed eight homes into the Atlantic Ocean in this area. 

Track of storm

Here’s one computer model’s interpretation of the storm. 

Wind gusts

A nor’easter will produce gusty winds, and depending on the location of the storm to the coast will determine how windy it gets inland. Gusts will generally be around 30 to 50 mph for coastal regions, with some localized higher gusts. Interior sections will see less gusty conditions, with winds around 20 to 30 mph.

Rainfall totals

Rainfall totals will be highest along coastal North Carolina, with 3 to 5 inches possible. 

The low is expected to move east from the coast during the day on Tuesday, taking with it the heavy rain and gusty winds. 

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