Nor’easter expected to bring coastal flooding and high winds to tri-state this weekend

It may be sunny and dry Friday, but it won’t last long.

We may be hanging onto the bit of sunshine we have Friday, because light showers start picking up Saturday ahead of the nor’easter expected on Sunday.

Communities in the tri-state are already prepping for a nor’easter that is expected to bring coastal flooding and high winds to the area.

The nor’easter is expected to impact the tri-state Sunday into Monday, with the main concern being coastal flooding and erosion

At this time, the coastal flood watch is expected to mostly impact the Jersey Shore, Long Island, New York City and parts of Connecticut Sunday and Monday because of strong onshore winds and rough surf with anticipated swells and waves reaching up to 20 feet. Inland flooding is not likely to take place, according to the latest forecast, given that the rain will be spread out over two days. However, the rainfall total is quite significant with 1-2 inches widespread, although 3-5 inches could take place in some areas.

The most significant rainfall is expected to take place Sunday through Monday.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected late Sunday into Monday — although inland gusts will be lower, but downed trees and power outages will be possible.

The expected severe weather has prompted New Jersey to make preparations to declare a state of emergency ahead of the nor’easter. The State of Emergency will begin 10 p.m. Saturday.

“Starting on Sunday, a dangerous coastal storm will begin to move past our state with extreme weather conditions for several counties, especially those on the Shore,” Acting Governor Tahesha Way said in a statement. “In preparation for this storm, I am issuing a State of Emergency for all 21 counties out of an abundance of caution, authorizing our state’s emergency services personnel to activate as necessary. I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

The storm will still be in our vicinity off the coast through early Tuesday. However, by later Tuesday and Wednesday, the weather calms down.