New York and New Jersey endures another large-scale storm in less than two weeks, with a significant nor’easter affecting the entire Tri-state region.
The National Weather Service has a High Wind Warning in effect for the entire Tri-state, calling for a long duration of storm-force winds from 30 to 40mph with maximum wind gusts of up to 60mph peaking this evening. The highest winds will be felt along the immediate coastline, in the same areas hit hardest by Sandy’s landfall last week. The National Weather Service office with responsibility for most of the New Jersey shore called it dangerous as weakened trees and wreckage from the last storm could cause increased hazards this time around. If this nor’easter was of tropical origins, the entire region would be under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Coastal Flood Warnings are also in effect for all ocean-facing areas of the Tri-state. Of particular concern is western Long Island Sound, where the nor’easter’s highest expected surge — about 4 to 5 feet at last estimate — will nearly perfectly match with the high tide cycle. Adjacent land areas of New York City, the coast of southwest Connecticut, and the north shore of Long Island could see moderate to major coastal flooding from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening. NYCAviation.com, warned that with the combination of the anticipated storm surge, the timing of the high tide, and Sandy’s weakened defenses in northern Queens, “we stand a pretty good chance of having some flooding at LaGuardia.”
In addition to the coastal flooding, a High Surf Advisory is also in effect. That means waves of eight to 12 feet on Atlantic facing beaches will be battering homes and infrastructure already weakened by Sandy.
With latest models showing a track slightly further offshore, the nor’easter will bring renewed cold air to a region that has already spent several days in the equivalent of early December weather. Whipping winds will make the temperature in New York City — expected to drop to near freezing Wednesday night — feel more like the upper teens or low 20s.
Winter Weather Advisories are issued for the far northwest suburbs of New York City, including Orange County, N.Y. and Passaic County, N.J. Snow totals are uncertain, but the five boroughs could see plenty of accumulation interspersed with cold rain drops. Any coastal snows should quickly melt or transition to slush during the storm itself. Parts of New Jersey and the Catskills where temperatures are cooler could receive totals of 8-10 inches in a top-end scenario shown by some models.