Packing a Punch
A powerful storm is brewing off the Atlantic and is set to impact New England and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, bringing damaging winds and potential urban and flash flooding starting as early as Monday. The system is expected to strengthen rapidly, becoming the year’s first Nor’easter, as it moves northward along the Eastern Seaboard, then becoming nearly stationary off the Northeast coast late this evening.
Powerful wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected to slam eastern Long Island, southern and coastal New England, and southern Nova Scotia. The strongest wind gusts, of up to 70 mph with an AccuWeather Local StormMaxTM of 80 mph, will impact coastal New Hampshire and Massachusetts, including the Boston metropolitan area. When combined with the heavy rain, these strong winds can bring down trees and power lines, potentially causing widespread power outages.
Heavy rain of up to 8 inches is expected throughout the region with the largest amounts impacting Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, which could receive an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 10 inches Monday night through Wednesday. These downpours can lead to travel disruptions and flooded-out roadways, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Coastal flooding is also a concern especially at times of high tide. Offshore, sailors could face huge waves of up to 30 feet affecting maritime traffic. The effects from this Nor'easter may closely resemble those of Tropical Storm Henri, which impacted the area earlier this summer.
Businesses in the region need to keep a close eye on this system and should:
- Expect business interruption due to extended power outages
- Expect ground logistics disruption due to road closures, downed trees and flash flooding
- Loss of Inventory due to flooding – If your warehouse is in a low-lying area, precautions should be taken
- Ensure all employees and visitors on-site have a way to be notified of severe weather
