Atlantic City, N.J. – A powerful coastal low is slamming the Mid-Atlantic this weekend, unleashing 55-plus mph wind gusts, torrential rain, and major coastal flooding from New Jersey to North Carolina. Roads along barrier islands and bays are already seeing water overtop, and forecasters warn the worst surge could arrive late Sunday night into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, persistent onshore winds combined with high surf and astronomical tides will drive widespread flooding along the immediate shoreline. Some of the hardest-hit areas could include coastal Delaware, southeastern Virginia, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where floodwaters may reach into neighborhoods and cover low-lying roadways.
State emergency officials from New Jersey through the Carolinas are urging residents in flood-prone zones to prepare for possible evacuation notices and to follow local guidance closely. The National Weather Service also warns of strong rip currents and severe beach erosion as waves crash ashore through Monday.
Inland, gusty winds and periods of heavy rain could bring isolated power outages and scattered flash flooding, particularly across eastern Maryland and southeastern Pennsylvania. Utility crews are on standby as trees weakened by saturated ground may fall under strong wind gusts.
Drivers are advised to avoid flooded roads, charge mobile devices in advance, and secure outdoor items before conditions worsen. Mariners should remain in port until winds and seas subside early Tuesday as the storm pulls north toward southern New England.
