Powerful Nor’easter Takes Aim at Jersey Shore, Bringing Heavy Rain and Serious Flooding

Powerful Nor’easter Takes Aim at Jersey Shore, Bringing Heavy Rain and Serious Flooding

The outlook for the major nor’easter heading toward New Jersey and other areas of the eastern U.S. has become increasingly concerning for the Garden State.

AccuWeather forecasters now expect some parts of the Jersey Shore to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain this weekend, with isolated locations potentially seeing 7 to 8 inches.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has updated its forecast to warn of major coastal flooding along much of the Jersey Shore, stretching from the bay areas of Middlesex County south to the Atlantic and Delaware Bay shorelines of Cape May County.

The storm is now projected to track closer to the Jersey Shore than initially expected. Forecasters say the combination of torrential rain, strong wind gusts, and elevated tides from Saturday’s full moon could significantly increase the risk of serious flooding, particularly in coastal and waterfront communities.

The National Weather Service says powerful winds could drive large amounts of ocean and bay water onto land, producing 2 to 3 feet of flooding above ground level in low-lying areas along shorelines and tidal waterways.

Forecasters warn that flooding at this level could become severe enough to cause structural damage and widespread flooding on coastal and bayside roads, as well as around inland tidal waterways. Some communities could potentially become cut off by rising floodwaters.

As the storm approaches, Gov. Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency in eight New Jersey counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem.

The emergency declaration took effect at 5 p.m. Friday and will remain in place until further notice.

Several major weekend events across New Jersey, including concerts and parades, have already been rescheduled for later dates because of the approaching nor’easter.

The coastal storm’s strongest impacts are expected to develop Friday night, continuing through Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

The greatest flooding threat is expected during Saturday morning’s high tide, although another round of significant coastal flooding remains possible Saturday night.

One bit of good news is that rapid, intense downpours and widespread flash flooding are not currently expected. Instead, New Jersey is likely to experience an extended stretch of showers, ranging from light to moderate, from late Friday night through late Sunday.

The storm is expected to move slowly northward through the Atlantic along the East Coast. Forecasters say it could produce wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph along the Jersey Shore, with strong gusts also possible across many inland parts of New Jersey.

In addition to the strong winds, heavy rain and flooding concerns, forecasters warn that the nor’easter could bring dangerous surf conditions, powerful rip currents and waves reaching 6 to 12 feet along the coast.

Check the latest forecast.