A forecast model showing a coastal storm Jan. 22-23, 2017. (Credit: NWS)
There’s good news and bad news in the forecast, meteorologists said Thursday. The bad news is that a nor’easter is on the way which could bring heavy rain, high winds and some coastal flooding to the Shore area. But the good news is that there is no snow in the forecast and the moon phase lends itself to a lower level flooding event.
The impending coastal storm is forecast to move in early Sunday, bringing rain and high winds of 40 m.p.h. or more to the region. The temperature is forecast remain just above 50 degrees, meaning neither snow nor ice will fall.
“We’re also in between the full and new moon, so tidal flooding should be much less compared with what Jonas brought,” Press of Atlantic City meteorologist Dan Skelon wrote on his popular social media page, referencing a nor’easter that hit the state one year ago this weekend. That storm brought more than a foot of snow, however.
“I’d say at the very least prepare for minor tidal flooding,” said forecaster Nick “Nor’Easter” Pittman of SNJ Today. “Timing of highest winds is crucial as if we get a northeast wind for a decent period, we’d see “stacking” of the back bays.”
The storm is forecast to linger through much of the day Monday before pulling out of the Shore area. Mild temperatures will continue through next week but cold air is then forecast to move in.
