Fast Facts:
- A powerful nor’easter is expected to develop, bringing driving rain and strong northeasterly winds that will peak Thursday.
- The heaviest rainfall, totaling 1-2 inches with locally higher amounts, is expected from the mid-Atlantic to eastern New England.
- Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are possible along the New England coast.
- Travel delays are likely ahead of a busy Memorial Day travel weekend.
NEW YORK – A rare May nor’easter is set to sweep across the Northeast on Thursday, setting the weather back about two months on the calendar as cool, rainy and windy conditions blast New England.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, a nor’easter doesn’t need snow to fall; it is simply an area of low pressure with strong northeasterly winds off the Atlantic Ocean.
Two areas of low pressure are forming into Thursday – one across the interior and another off the East Coast.
The interior low had already brought a punch to western Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening as a line of severe storms rolled through the Pittsburgh area, prompting a Tornado Watch and a few radar-indicated Tornado Warnings.
While there were no reports of any tornado touchdowns, the storms brought reports of some flooded streets in Pittsburgh from bursts of heavy rains. To the south of Pittsburgh, thunderstorm-triggered winds toppled a few trees and ripped the siding off a building in Finleyville, according to National Weather Service storm reports.
Raw, blustery day on tap for New England
For eastern New England, it’s the coastal low that will become a weak nor’easter as it crawls northward across the area on Thursday.
The upshot of all of this? A few miserable days for those trying to get a head start on the Memorial Day weekend with a cold, wind-driven soaking rain.
WHAT IS A NOR’EASTER?
Starting Wednesday night, the coastal low pressure will begin to take shape south of Long Island, New York. This low will strengthen, and the weak nor’easter will peak in strength on Thursday as it produces a steady, sometimes heavy rain from the New York City tri-state area up through New England.
Rain totals will generally remain around 1-2 inches, with locally higher amounts over higher elevations and right along the Northeast and New England coasts, closer to the area of low pressure. Flash flooding is not expected.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER
(FOX Weather)
Winds will also be a problem, especially from eastern Long Island up through the New England coast. Wind gusts could exceed 40 mph, with some 50-plus mph gusts possible.
While winds of this strength won’t take down too many trees, they will likely lead to delays at the major Northeast airports, especially Boston, on Thursday. They will also just add to the already-miserable conditions outside.
(FOX Weather)
The strong northeasterly winds will also raise water levels at the coast. While astronomical tides are not that high, a 1.5- to 2.5-foot water rise is still possible. If this occurs, minor coastal flooding will be possible from the Jersey Shore to southern Maine during the Thursday evening high tide, the FOX Forecast Center warns.
Along with the rain, temperatures will fall well below average. In New York City, for example, high temperatures will be stuck in the mid-50s on Wednesday and Thursday. This is almost 20 degrees below average for late May.
(FOX Weather)
Fortunately, unlike recent weekends, most of the Northeast is expected to dry out by Saturday and Sunday, with some sunshine returning to the coast. Some lingering showers may hang around across the interior Northeast and New England.
Sunday and Memorial Day will be dry, albeit cool, with highs in the 60s.
