A powerful nor’easter is buffeting the East Coast and is poised to bring several days of heavy rain, flooding and strong winds.
The storm is expected to stay far enough from the coast that the heaviest rains will only affect the easternmost regions of the country. Although rain will remain primarily offshore, gusty winds and coastal flooding are still possible, particularly on the Outer Banks.
Flood advisories are in place from the Jersey Shore to the Outer Banks for 1 to 2 feet of flooding due to onshore winds.
The storm, still offshore, is intensifying. Coastal towns from New Jersey to Cape Hatteras can expect coastal flooding, beach erosion and gusty winds.
Rain and coastal flooding are expected to impact Cape Cod and Nantucket in the coming days. By Thursday, strong waves and rip currents will hit these areas.
The Northeast could become a tropical storm, but if it does, it will only intensify as it continues eastward and away from the coast. It has a 40% chance of forming in two days and a 40% chance of forming in seven days. If it develops, it will be called Joséphine.
Winds will have the greatest impact, with winds of 44 mph expected on Nantucket. Virginia Beach could see winds of 32 mph and Cape Hatteras is expected to have winds of 39 mph.
Meanwhile, a storm in the Pacific Ocean is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding and snow to the mountains. A risk of flash flooding exists from Southern California to the Rocky Mountains.
A flood threat is in place for California and parts of the Southwest through Thursday, particularly in Southern California, from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara, and the Four Corners states.
Six million people across Arizona are also under flood watches, including Phoenix and Flagstaff.
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