Washington, D.C. – A strengthening coastal storm is forecast to bring damaging winds, flooding, and dangerous surf to much of the U.S. East Coast this weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The system, developing off the Carolina coast, is expected to intensify through Sunday, Oct. 12, producing widespread impacts from North Carolina to southern New England.
According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, wind gusts exceeding 55 mph are possible along coastal regions of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Long Island, with scattered power outages likely. Major coastal flooding is expected across the Delmarva Peninsula and southern New Jersey, where high astronomical tides and strong onshore winds may inundate roadways and low-lying neighborhoods.
High surf will also pose serious risks for beachgoers, generating strong rip currents and beach erosion from the Outer Banks to Cape Cod. The agency warns that residents should avoid entering the water and secure outdoor items ahead of the storm.
Forecasters also note that heavy rainfall could bring localized flash flooding in parts of the Mid-Atlantic. NOAA urges residents to monitor updates and follow guidance from local officials as conditions worsen through the weekend.
