National Weather Service: Nor’easter could disrupt pre-Thanksgiving travel
Travel days are possible along the Eastern Seaboard next Wednesday, the busiest travel day of the year. (Image: AccuWeather.com)
A nor’easter may impact the New Jersey region during the peak travel period before Thanksgiving, forecasters said.
While the current storm window is between late Tuesday through Thanksgiving Day, “the most vulnerable time for the mid-Atlantic region will be from the early morning hours on Wednesday into the early hours of Thanksgiving morning,” according to a briefing package issued by the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, NJ.
“The timing of this storm couldn’t be worse given the Thanksgiving holiday,” the briefing advises. “Travel conditions will deteriorate late Tuesday night as strong onshore winds and rain move into the region. These condition will persist through Wednesday before gradually improving Thanksgiving morning. Delays can be expected regardless of the travel mode (air, road, rail).”
But forecasters say that uncertainty remains, advising the public to stay tuned to future briefing packages.
Regardless, an arctic blast will invade the region this weekend. Temperatures will begin dropping on Saturday, leading to a bitterly cold and blustery day on Sunday, with temperatures ranging from the middle 20s north to middle 30s south, the briefing advises. With a gusty wind, it will feel feel even colder.
The briefing outlines what to possibly expect from the potential nor’easter:
Wind and rain
As with all nor’easters, strong easterly winds and periods of heavy rain can be expected. With recent dry conditions, the probability of large stream and main stem river flooding is low. However, roadway and poor drainage flooding is possible depending on how much rain actually falls.
Snow threat
Some snow is possible with this storm, especially in the higher elevations of eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey. With the storm still at least 4 days away, specifics are impossible to provide at this time.
Tidal flooding risk
This storm is expected to affect the region in a favorable part of the lunar cycle, approximately halfway between the last full moon and the next new moon. However, tidal flooding is still possible depending on the eventual path and strength of the storm. Coastal Flood watches may be needed early next week.
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