PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – A powerful late-October storm will hammer the Mid-Atlantic coast Thursday into Friday, bringing coastal flooding, damaging winds, and rounds of heavy rain from Delaware Bay to central New Jersey. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly warns that gusts could reach 50 mph, with coastal roads likely to flood during multiple high tides.
According to the NWS Mount Holly office, Coastal Flood Advisories and Wind Advisories have been issued for counties including Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, and New Castle, along with the tidal Delaware River. Flooding is expected to peak Thursday afternoon and evening, when strong onshore winds drive water inland. Beach erosion and minor roadway flooding are possible, especially along U.S. 9 and Route 40 near the shore.
Winds will strengthen through Thursday morning, shifting from easterly to westerly by Friday. The strongest gusts — between 40 and 50 mph — are likely along the immediate coast, where scattered tree damage and isolated power outages could occur. Inland areas from Philadelphia to Trenton may see gusts closer to 35–40 mph.
Rain totals between 1 and 3 inches could cause ponding on low-lying roads and clog storm drains with fallen leaves. A few severe thunderstorms could develop Thursday afternoon south of the I-76 corridor, producing locally damaging wind gusts.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid driving through flooded roads. Mariners should stay in port, with seas forecast to reach 10 to 15 feet on the Atlantic and Delaware Bay.
