Storm, High Winds Threaten NY, NJ as Sukkos Begins
A developing nor’easter could bring heavy rain, powerful winds and coastal flooding to the New York City area over Sukkos, with impacts expected to begin Friday and intensify over the weekend.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveA developing nor’easter could bring powerful winds, heavy rain and significant coastal flooding to the New York City area this weekend, with forecasters closely watching the storm’s track as it moves north along the East Coast.
The first nor’easter of the fall season is expected to strengthen considerably as it approaches the Tri State area on Saturday and Sunday, according to FOX 5 New York.
Before then, the region will see cooler and increasingly windy conditions, with temperatures generally remaining in the mid 60s through Thursday.
The first significant effects are expected to reach southern New Jersey by Friday, where persistent northeast winds could produce coastal flooding and dangerous surf. Offshore waves could build to between 15 and 18 feet, while wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph and potentially higher along the coast.
The greatest uncertainty remains over exactly where the storm will track as it strengthens this weekend.
One forecast scenario takes the storm closer to the New Jersey coast, which would bring considerably stronger effects into New York City and Long Island. Under that scenario, the city could experience heavy rain, wind gusts around 50 mph and significant storm surge.
A farther offshore track would spare New York City from the most severe conditions, although breezy weather, periods of rain, rough surf and elevated coastal flooding would still be possible.
FOX 5 reports that if the strongest portion of the storm shifts toward New Jersey or Long Island, parts of the New York City area could potentially find themselves near wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph.
Eastern Long Island could receive 3 inches or more of rain under current projections, with lower amounts expected farther inland. Those totals could increase if the storm tracks closer to shore.
Regardless of which track ultimately develops, coastal communities are expected to face several days of rough conditions. Persistent onshore winds, large waves and high astronomical tides are expected to increase the risk of beach erosion, dune damage and flooding along portions of Queens, Long Island and the Jersey Shore.
The forecast remains subject to change as the storm develops and its eventual path becomes clearer.
With the storm arriving as Sukkos begins Friday night, residents are urged to take precautions with outdoor sukkahs ahead of Yom Tov. Sukkahs, schach, decorations and other loose items should be properly secured or tied down before the winds increase, particularly in exposed areas, to prevent them from being damaged or blown away.
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