Storm to Impact East Coast with Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds
A storm coming from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to crash into Florida on Saturday and strengthen as it tracks up the East Coast through the weekend, unleashing heavy rainfall, gusty winds and coastal hazards along the way.
Saturday: Florida takes a blow
On Saturday, heavy rain is expected to arrive in parts of southern and western Florida by mid-morning and increase in scope and intensity throughout the day. By Saturday night, heavy rainfall will drench almost the entire state and spread into the Southeast. Flash flooding and a rise in streams and rivers are possible.
Strong gusty winds will accompany the heavy rain, with wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph across much of the Florida Peninsula. Severe thunderstorms, with damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes, are also possible.
The exact track of the storm will determine the location and extent of coastal flooding, as well as the strength of the winds along the coast.
Sunday: Rain and wind spread up the East Coast
On Sunday, the storm will track northeast out of Florida and hug the East Coast. Heavy rain will target the Carolinas and coastal Georgia during the day, while the mid-Atlantic and parts of the Northeast will see rain arrive later in the afternoon.
Strong wind gusts will impact coastal areas from the Southeast through the mid-Atlantic, with the coastal Northeast experiencing strong winds Sunday night. Travel delays are expected in the region, especially along the busy I-95 corridor.
Flash flooding is possible for areas caught under multiple deluges, and reduced visibility due to gusty winds may delay air travel.
Monday: Storm reaches peak strength in Northeast
On Monday, the storm will reach its peak strength as it tracks close to the Northeast coast. The heaviest rain and strongest winds will likely center on New England, with wind gusts up to 60 mph possible along the coast. Power outages and wind-driven coastal flooding are also concerns.
Although a blockbuster snowstorm is not expected, the storm will still bring disruptive impacts to the coastal Northeast with wet and breezy conditions.
Travel disruptions are anticipated across a large portion of the Northeast, and high tides could exacerbate the coastal flooding if they align with the storm's arrival.
