Next fall nor'easter brewing, could threaten millions from Jersey Shore to Carolina coast later this weekend
Next fall nor'easter brewing, could threaten millions from Jersey Shore to Carolina coast later this weekend
Kieran Sullivan, Julian Atienza Sat, October 17, 2026 at 1:29 PM UTC
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(FOX Weather)
A nor’easter is increasingly likely to form off the Carolina coast late Sunday.
The system’s track and intensity remain highly uncertain but showers, gusty winds, high surf and coastal flooding could impact areas from Florida through the Carolinas to New Jersey.
Mandatory evacuation issued for all visitors on Hatteras Island along the North Carolina Outer Banks.
A nor’easter is increasingly likely to form off the Carolina coast late Sunday, bringing gusty winds and coastal flooding to millions from the Jersey Shore to the Outer Banks early next week.
This brewing storm comes as many beaches along this part of the country's coastline are still dealing with significant erosion and other impacts from last month's early-season nor'easter.
What Is A Nor'easter?
This also follows NOAA's winter forecast that was released earlier this week, which calls for increased chances of stormy weather along much of the East Coast due to a rapidly strengthening El Niño climate pattern.
"Coastal storms like this are expected in an El Niño year," FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross said. "This El Niño is stronger than any in our experience, so this storm and the infamous nor'easter might well be harbingers of things to come this winter."
Super El Niño Fueled Winter Could Unleash More Storms, Driving More Active Pattern Into The South
While there is increased confidence that a nor'easter will develop later this weekend, the storm's exact track and impacts are still uncertain.
A coastal low could bring coastal erosion, rough surf and gusty winds from Florida to the Carolinas, while forecasters monitor the system for possible subtropical characteristics.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the cold front that has brought the coldest temperatures of the fall thus far will push off the East Coast this weekend before slowing and stalling near the Southeast coastline.
As the front stalls, an area of low pressure is likely to form off the Southeast coast.
Latest From Fox Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross
"Anyone along the coastline from Florida to the Carolinas should continue to monitor the forecast," the FOX Forecast Center said.
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How High Pressure And Low Pressure Drive The Weather
At this time, impacts appear likely to remain focused along the coastline, including persistent showers, gusty winds, higher surf and coastal flooding.
In late September, a powerful nor’easter caused widespread beach erosion, coastal flooding and power outages along the East Coast, from North Carolina’s Outer Banks to the Northeast.
A Level 1 out of 4 flash flood risk covers North Carolina’s Outer Banks on Monday and Tuesday, as well as parts of the state near the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds.
Nor’easter Batters East Coast With Flooding And Dangerous Surf
Few places are more vulnerable than the areas around Cape Hatteras, where rapid coastal erosion and repeated storms have claimed dozens of homes and stripped away large sections of beach.
Another coastal storm could worsen the damage.
A home collapses into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina in rough surf on Oct. 2, 2025.
A mandatory evacuation was issued for all visitors on Hatteras Island late Friday and a local state of emergency has been declared ahead of the storm.
Dare County officials expect North Carolina Highway 12, the primary route through the Outer Banks, to close again because of potential flooding. The highway is frequently overwashed during coastal storms.
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A truck overtaken by waves on Highway 12 on Hatteras Island in North Carolina on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
With the storm potentially developing over or near the warmer waters off the Southeast coast, forecasters will also monitor whether it develops any tropical characteristics.
The FOX Forecast Center will continue to monitor the system for any changes in its track, intensity or potential impacts.
Original article source:Next fall nor'easter brewing, could threaten millions from Jersey Shore to Carolina coast later this weekend
Source: “AOL Breaking”
