A nor’easter churned its way up the East Coast on Sunday, with New Jersey declaring a state of emergency and some airports posting delays and cancellations in advance of anticipated coastal flooding and strong winds, as another storm system struck farther south with heavy rain.
“The greatest effects are going to be the coastal flooding potential, especially for areas from northeastern North Carolina northward to much of the New Jersey coast,” said meteorologist Bob Oravec with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland.
Heavy rain also was forecasted for southeast New England, the New York City area, and some has already fallen in coastal sections of South Carolina, according to Oravec.
All of New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since Saturday night, expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary.
Parts of the state are forecast to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding with winds up to 60 mph (97 kph), and high surf causing potential beach erosion. Volunteers were seen placing sandbags at beaches to prepare for the incoming storm.
The National Weather Service placed New York City under a coastal flood warning and wind advisory through at least Monday afternoon. Coastal areas of suburban Long Island could see flooding, with up to 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) of rain expected, along with lashing winds.
Wind gusts exceeding 30 mph (48 kph) were recorded in the region on Sunday morning.
Flight delays and cancellations were reported at airports from Washington, D.C. to Boston, as officials brace for the impact of the storm, projected to move out by Monday night.
