Many areas that were very hard hit by Sandy haven’t even gotten to a point where they can begin the recovery process. Unfortunately, another storm, this time a Nor’easter, is targeting those hardest hit by the hurricane. The storm will spin up east of the Carolinas on Wednesday, quickly intensifying into a whopper of a storm capable of bringing some heavy rain, 60 mph wind gusts, moderate coastal flooding, and some snow for certain areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Right now, as we told you earlier in the week on a Right Weather Pro update, it looks like Southeastern New England will be spared the snow, but will receive some of the strongest winds, along with periods of heavy rain, and another lashing surf and minor surge for the coast.
The map highlights some of the major threats from this storm. Notice, there is a better chance of snow in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia than in Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts. That is because of the track of the storm being far enough off the Mid-Atlantic coast to hold some cold air in place over D.C. and Philly, but the strong east-northeast wind, and a track closer to the New England coast means rain for Boston and Providence. Worcester and points west still have the possibility of seeing some accumulating snow, and it will depend on close to the coast the storm tracks.
The storm will be a slow-mover, so it will dominate the weather scene in Southern New England from Wednesday afternoon through early Friday. The strongest winds with the storm may occur Wednesday night as it rapidly intensifies off the Mid-Atlantic coast.
Storm Impacts Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts
- Long-duration event from Wednesday PM to Friday AM
- Potential for 1-3″ of wind-whipped rain. Best chance of 2-3″ is near the coast.
- Strong winds, capable of downing some trees or power lines. Strongest winds near the coast, gusts to 60 mph possible
- Minor to moderate coastal flooding possible for several high tide cycles beginning late Wednesday and lasting through Thursday night
The Mid-Atlantic will also get some nasty weather, with a better chance of some snow on the west side of the developing storm. The New Jersey coast will get strong winds, more coastal flooding, and some heavy rain.
Hi Fred,
Your forecast does not sound too good for those poor souls still suffering. Weds -Friday-yikes
Being on the 6th floor gives me a great view-sure hope the roof stays intack
Those high winds will probably knock more tree;s etc. down that were weakened from Sandy-that is usually the case after one big storm to the next.
Try and get some rest before this one hits as you will need it.
Take care and be safe
John 🙂
This sounds bad…I was going to head to maine tuesday, I’m not sure if I should now!
Susan, travel should be fine on Tuesday. The weather won’t be great in Maine, either. They won’t get the brunt of it, but some wind, rain, and snow (inland) is likely Wednesday into Friday.
I have to travel to NC on Thursday or Friday for a family emergency. I’m thinking of taking the train instead of driving. Would it be a safe bet that the 1-95 corridor will be a total mess (even more so than now) on Thursday and Friday?
Lori, that’s tough to predict. The weather Wed-Thu will not help the recovery effort, but I’m not sure it’s going to make it worse, either. A best-case scenario is that the weather just prevents crews from working. In a worst-case scenario, there is some new damage to deal with. I think it’s probably closer to a best-case scenario.
Thanks, Fred. I hope it is the best case for all of those still suffering.
Heading out of Logan 11:30 wed am – think I will be ok getting out?
Yes.
Oh no. I finally got out surveying damage from Noank, CT to Weekapaug (Westerly). There are so many trees on the verge of coming down, either bent or you can see the roots sticking out as though it wouldn’t take much to tip them over. Worst of all is Misquamicut where there is no beach left. What used to be the Westerly town beach is maybe 1 foot above sea level no so even the slightest rise in tide will result in street flooding. Misquamicut is by the way still off limits and guarded by the state police and the national guard. Hope this storm misses!
Fred –
Trying to book travel to go down and back to Baltimore on Wednesday – looks like Wed night might be hairy for air travel. What’s your opinion on whether the wind will have settled down by Thursday morning?
Thanks,
Linda
Linda, it’s a tough call. Baltimore may actually get some snow from the storm on Wednesday. The worst of it will be Wednesday, but Thursday doesn’t look like much of a treat. The wind certainly won’t have settled down by Thursday morning, but I am expecting the peak gusts Wednesday night. There should still be at least 20-40 mph wind in the Northeast Thursday morning.
Fred, I will be teaching on Wednesday night in Providence. How will the driving be at 5pm and 10pm? I doubt the school will cancel. Thanks!
Aura, it looks raw and rainy with some wet snowflakes mixed in. It’s still not out of the realm of possibility that it could be all snow, but I don’t envision icy roads given the current scenario. School should be in session.
Fred, can we expect at least half the day dry on Wednesday?
About half the day will be dry. I expect precipitation to begin between 12pm and 2pm.