Coastal Flood Warning Today: Interactive Risk Map, Hour-by-Hour Surge Forecast & Essential Evacuation Tips

Coastal Flood Warning in Effect: What to Expect and How to Prepare A powerful nor’easter forming off the Southeast coastline is forecast to slam the Eastern Seaboard this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue coastal flood warnings and watches from the Outer Banks to southern New England. The storm’s persistent onshore winds, already-elevated astronomical tides, and rough surf are expected to push 1–2 ft of saltwater onto vulnerable roads and low-lying neighborhoods during high tide cycles Sunday through Monday. Key Timing and Impact Zones • Sunday morning–afternoon: Highest surge risk for the Cape Fear region, Pamlico Sound and portions of coastal South Carolina. • Sunday night–early Monday: Peak inundation likely for Hampton Roads, the Delmarva Peninsula, New Jersey Barrier Islands, New York City, western Long Island Sound and coastal Connecticut. • Monday afternoon: Flood threat gradually shifts toward Cape Cod and the islands as the low accelerates northeast. Rainfall & Wind Forecast – Rain totals: Widespread 2–3 inches with localized 5 inch pockets from coastal North Carolina to Long Island could trigger flash flooding of creeks and urban drainage systems. – Wind gusts: 45–60 mph along immediate beaches may topple trees, exacerbate power outages, and enhance wave run-up on dunes and seawalls. Why the Water Rise Will Be Worse Than “Normal” October’s full-moon king tides arrive the same weekend the storm pushes water landward, stacking an extra 1–1.5 ft onto predicted tide levels according to NOAA’s High-Tide Flooding Outlook. Sea-level rise of roughly 6 inches in the past 30 years along much of the Mid-Atlantic means streets flood now with lower storm surge thresholds than just a decade ago. Communities Under Highest Alert • Charleston, SC • Wilmington & Morehead City, NC • Norfolk–Virginia Beach, VA • Ocean City, MD to Atlantic City, NJ • New York City boroughs, especially Queens & Staten Island • Fairfield & New Haven Counties, CT Potential Impacts – Saltwater inundation of coastal roads, parking lots, basements and subway entrances. – Minor beach erosion escalating to moderate dune breaches, especially on south-facing beaches of Long Island and the Jersey Shore. – Ferry service delays and bridge restrictions due to high winds and rough seas. – Dangerous rip currents for all Atlantic beaches; stay out of the surf. Safety Tips to Reduce Risk 1. Move vehicles to higher ground before the next high tide. 2. Never drive through water covering the road; only 12 inches of moving water can float a car. 3. Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans and boats; loose items can become projectiles. 4. Keep a go-bag with prescriptions, important documents and chargers in case evacuations are ordered. 5. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or your local NWS office on social media for upgraded warnings. Looking Ahead Forecast guidance shows the low lifting north of Cape Cod by Tuesday, allowing waters to recede; however, back-bay flooding could persist an extra tide cycle where drainage is poor. With the winter nor’easter season just beginning, officials urge residents to refresh flood plans and consider flood insurance during the 30-day waiting period. Bottom Line If you live along the Atlantic coastline, treat this weekend’s coastal flood warning seriously. Combine king tides, sea-level rise and a strengthening nor’easter, and even places that rarely flood could see saltwater on the streets. Take action today to protect property and, more importantly, personal safety.