A powerful storm is barreling up the US East Coast, set to strike New York City during Monday morning's rush hour. The storm poses a threat of heavy rain, widespread flooding, strong winds capable of causing flight delays and power outages. However, this mid-December storm forecast doesn't include the typical winter white - snow.
Flood watches, warnings, and high wind advisories have been issued from North Carolina to Maine, with the potential for hurricane-force winds just off the Atlantic coast, according to the National Weather Service. Environment and Climate Change Canada has also alerted residents in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Meanwhile, Florida has already witnessed heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving 4 to 6 inches and a few spots accumulating as much as 8 inches of rain.
Forecasters predict that the region from Maine to North Carolina may experience between 2 and 4 inches of rainfall. Florida has already seen extensive flooding due to heavy rain and storm surges from the Atlantic. Rich Otto, a forecaster with the US Weather Prediction Center, describes the upcoming storm system as quite potent with strong winds likely to impact New York City and potentially cause airport delays.
At this time of year, it is customary for some regions to experience heavy snowfall. However, due to the mild temperatures, not a single snowflake is expected during this unusual storm. Another peculiar aspect of this system is the vast area that will be affected by heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Winter has started on a mild note across much of the US, with Manhattan's Central Park experiencing temperatures 4.6 degrees higher than the norm since December 1st.
Otto explains that normally during a December storm, the western side of the low-pressure system's track would receive significant snowfall; however, without the cold air in place, this storm will only bring rain and wind. In addition to the drenching rain, North Carolina's coast can expect a threat of thunderstorms and straight-line winds on Sunday, which will then move towards New York City, Long Island, and southern New England on Monday, according to the US Storm Prediction Center. These types of systems have the potential to cause power outages and disrupt air travel.
On the ground, wind gusts in some areas may reach 50 to 60 miles per hour, and just above the surface at 5,000 feet, winds may exceed 100 mph. Otto expresses curiosity about the wind reports that will emerge as a result of this powerful storm system. As New York City braces itself for the storm's arrival, residents and travelers are advised to take precautions and be prepared for potential disruptions caused by the heavy rain and strong winds.