Nor’easter to deliver rough seas, gusty winds, rain, and minor coastal flooding

A nor’easter is expected to deliver minor coastal flooding, beach erosion, rain, and high surf for at least the next few days, forecasters say. 

The system, partially forming from the remnants of Tropical Storm Karen, is heading north along the Eastern Seaboard, with marine impacts expected to begin Wednesday, according to forecasters.

But forecasting models still differ as to where the nor’easter positions itself, ultimately determining impacts.

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for southern New Jersey — including the Atlantic coast and lower portion of the Delaware Bay — and Delaware beaches from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday.

“Minor flooding is anticipated within an hour of high tide late Wednesday morning into mid-afternoon Wednesday. An easterly swell of 6 feet may cause minor beach erosion,” the advisory states. “Localized roadway flooding is anticipated, especially along any routes that are adjacent [to] the open Atlantic Ocean.”

Adverse weather conditions may warrant additional coastal flooding advisories, according to the National Weather Service.

“This advisory has a high probability of needing a re-issuance Thursday with a small chance that moderate coastal flooding could occur along a portion of this advisory area Thursday afternoon. A watch for Thursday has not been issued since confidence in moderate flooding is still on the low side of possible solutions,” the advisory states. 

“Rain driven by near gale force northeast winds combined with high surf could result in even greater coastal inundation flooding during the midway and afternoon hours on Thursday,” the advisory continues.

Winds will gust over 35 miles per hour in coastal areas, with lighter winds inland, according to the National Weather Service. 

Through Saturday, over two inches of rain is possible in far southern coastal New Jersey, with progressively lesser amounts to the north, especially inland, a National Weather Service rain forecast advises. 

Forecasters say that there is a “chance” that advisories for minor coastal flooding may need to be expanded Thursday to include all of the New Jersey coast, including the Raritan Bay.

And the risk is not just limited to Wednesday and Thursday.

“Multiple afternoon high tide cycles Friday into the weekend may still be affected by rain, high surf, and minor coastal flooding,” the coastal flood advisory notes.