The end of the first week of fall in New York City will be dominated by strong winds, high tides and chances of rain as a nor’easter rolls through the region, according to city officials and meteorologists.
So far, the brunt of the storm is expected to stay off shore, so forecasters say its effects will be weaker in the five boroughs.
“The biggest concern is minor coastal flooding during high tides from as early as Wednesday evening through Saturday, mainly around Jamaica Bay,” wrote the city’s office of emergency management in an online post, adding that flooding from rain is not expected at this time.
Gusty winds will pose another risk, especially for residents with rooftops, patios or balconies. Wind gusts are forecast to hit 20 to 25 mph on Wednesday and Thursday, climbing to 45 or 50 mph on Friday as the storm passes by. Officials are encouraging New Yorkers to secure loose items that could blow away.
“As the storm kind of gets northeast of the region and then perhaps drifts towards the area, we'll have better chances for rain as we get into Saturday night and Sunday,” said meteorologist Jim Connolly from the National Weather Service.
Connolly explained that a nor’easter gets its name from the strong northeast winds that come ahead of it, producing gales on the water. The risk of rip currents will be high through Saturday, according to the office of emergency management.
Temperatures for the next several days will be in the 60s, with overnight lows in the 50s, Connolly said — on the cool side for this time of year. Highs should rebound into the 70s when the storm clears out on Monday.
For updated information about the changing forecast and possible risks, text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.
