Rare September Nor’easter set to slam East Coast with heavy rain, damaging winds

Key Points:

• A powerful Nor’easter is expected to impact the Northeast and East Coast this weekend, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and significant coastal flooding, with coastal flood warnings and high wind watches already in effect.
• Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches or more are forecasted from Rhode Island to eastern Massachusetts, while wind gusts up to 50-60 mph threaten power outages and downed trees across the region.
• Coastal flooding of 1 to 3 feet above high tide is anticipated, especially from North Carolina to Nantucket, with southeastern Virginia at the highest risk; a full moon on Saturday night may worsen tidal flooding.
• Preparations are underway, including evacuation of boats in Massachusetts, rescheduling of events like the Boston Red Sox game, and emergency management urging residents in New Jersey to prepare for power outages.
• Separately, Tropical Storm Nolo near Hawaii’s Big Island poses a threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong winds, potentially strengthening to a Category 3 hurricane by Thursday night, though a direct landfall is not expected.