NYC Powerful Storm Brings Problems Regardless of Precip Type
Good morning everyone. Waiting for our big storm to arrive is liked being stalked by a turtle, but there’s still work to be done as far as fine-tuning the forecast and updating any extra impacts for our area. One of those impacts will be the prospect of moderate to major coastal flooding due to a strong and prolonged SSE wind component. Enjoy the next two days weather-wise, because it’s going to be a rough ride, then a very cold Christmas.
SATELLITE
Our ingredients are coming together for a monster system set to slam the Great Lake States and Northeast, and bringing with it, arctic air spilling down even into parts of Florida. For now though, we are sunny, quiet, and chilly. Expect sunshine to hang around today and tomorrow, with upper 30’s to near 40 as highs.
WEATHER RADAR
Tomorrow night we begin to cloud up, then clouds will lower and thicken Thursday morning. I believe rain will hold off till between late afternoon and evening, then become steadier and heavier as the night wears on. Winds will begin to pick up between 7pm and 1am out of the SSE, helping to pile water into the area, especially south facing shores during the high tide cycles. Moderate to Major coastal flooding is possible during the midnight (approx) Thur/Fri and noon Fri high tides. While this won’t be a life threatening surge (unless you do stupid things), property damage is possible, specifically 1st floor/basement flooding in low lying areas, and vehicles left in flood prone areas.
Heavy rains and powerful winds will be with us all day Friday, helping to saturate the ground and increase the risk of downed trees and limbs. By Friday evening, winds will whip around to the WNW and continue to be just as strong. The change in wind direction could help loosen already weakened trees and damaged limbs, causing more damage. 2-4″ of rain is expected in the NJ, NYC, and LI area, so we may also have to deal with localized flooding where there is poor drainage.
The final kick will be the flash freeze that is expected overnight Friday. Again, it’ll be a race to finish line moisture-wise to see if there is a brief burst of snow, but regardless, a quick plunge in temps will cause anything wet to freeze. This will create a hazard consisting of black ice and patches of ice were ponding from the rain occurred. Highs in the mid to upper 50’s Friday will fiercely and suddenly drop into the mid teens Friday night.
It is not too late to change your travel plans, and Thursday is not the day. Travel and/or change your flights to tomorrow if possible. Otherwise you may find yourself traveling on Sunday or not at all.
Things dry out Saturday and Sunday, but it’ll be unseasonably cold and blustery. Expect sunshine with highs in the mid to upper 20’s, and teens overnight.
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MANY THANKS TO TROPICAL TIDBITS & F5 WEATHER FOR THE USE OF MAPS
Please note that with regards to any severe weather, tropical storms, or hurricanes, should a storm be threatening, please consult your local National Weather Service office or your local government officials about what action you should be taking to protect life and property.