Experts Warn of ‘Major Flood’ Risk as Nor’Easter Picks up Strength

A powerful storm is picking up strength along the Atlantic coast, and experts warn that it could pose a serious flood risk for affected areas.

Meteorologists are tracking a "nor'easter" as it rips along the East coast, noticing wind gusts in excess of 50 mph. The storm is also a threat to air travel at airports along the affected region, as well as the rising tide and ocean levels that come from high amounts of rain.

Experts have already recorded wind gusts of 61 mph in North Carolina, and a total of 17 areas in the mid-Atlantic are under watch for "major" flooding. According to CNN, southern New Jersey and areas along the Virginia Tidewater are at the highest risk.

Which Areas Could See Record Rainfall?

If the amount of rainfall and rising water levels reach what some meteorologists are forecasting, new records will be set with this weather event. Atlantic City, New Jersey could experience its highest water levels sine 2012's Superstorm Sandy, while Cape May, NJ could see the highest water levels on record since 2016.

As the storm continues to grow, it has already made an impact in areas along the southern coast. Parts of North Carolina's Highway 12 are currently closed to increased ocean overwash, and the Dept. of Transportation has warned travelers about venturing to the Outer Banks.

Recent storms in succession have been especially problematic for the area, adding to and expediting the ongoing beach erosion. At least nine homes have collapsed into the ocean since late September in the Outer Banks after being hit by multiple storms.

Local and state officials have responded to the risks posed by this growing storm. Tahesha Way, New Jersey's acting governor, instituted a state of emergency over the weekend. New York's Kathy Hochul and Maryland's Wes Moore have also urged residents to remain in their homes if possible while avoiding the more problematic areas.

“I also encourage all Marylanders to ensure their loved ones and neighbors are properly monitoring the potential for high winds, rain, and flooding,” Governor Moore said. “Take care of yourself. Take care of your people.”

High Winds and Heavy Rain Are Likely

Experts say wind speeds between 45 and 55 mph are to be expected over the next few days. Those speeds are usually associated with tropical storms, making the current nor'ester an anomaly. Those wind speeds could result in more damage, as trees and other items could be picked up and thrown around.

Airports in Washington, DC, New York City and Boston are likely to be affected by the changing weather conditions, with heavy rain and high winds posing a flight risk. 1 to 3 inches of rainfall is the common amount from meteorologists, but some believe that areas like eastern North Carolina and southeastern New England could get up to 6 inches of rain.

In areas with extremely heavy rainfall, flash flooding at a local level will become more of an immediate concern. The storm is expected to pick up strength before either weakening or moving away from the coast on Tuesday and later into the week.

We'll see if it brings more adverse weather to the areas it's slated to affect.