Zeta will then combine with a strong non-tropical storm system moving east out of the southern Plains to bring a large swath of heavy rainfall to the southern and eastern United States.
Some storm surge flooding is likely along the immediate coast near where Zeta makes landfall along the Gulf Coast. However, a devastating storm surge is not anticipated.
Strong wind gusts will primarily be limited to near the center of Zeta. The strongest wind gusts of 60-80 mph are expected near where Zeta will make landfall along the Gulf Coast, which is currently expected to be near far southeastern Louisiana or Mississippi. Widespread damage to trees and power lines is likely in this area. Elsewhere, with wind gusts of 40-60 mph, damage will be more isolated.
The heaviest rainfall will occur over a large area of the United States from Wednesday through the end of the week. This will include portions of the Southeast near where Zeta tracks; the middle Mississippi Valley through the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic and southern New England, where the non-tropical system and a front will interact with Zeta and tropical moisture; and the Appalachians where the tropical moisture will be shoved upward along the mountains creating heavier rain.
Flash flooding, as well as street and poor drainage-related flooding, will all be a concern, especially in communities where falling leaves clog storm drains. River flooding may develop as well due to the widespread nature of the heavy rain.