What to Know
- Tropical Storm Ophelia is forecast to make landfall in North Carolina as a tropical storm early Saturday and then move toward New Jersey as a tropical depression through early Monday.
- It will be a rainy, windy and cold weekend with possible flooding.
- However, cooler, drier weather will prevail next week.
NEW YORK — Heavy rain and winds are headed to the tri-state area just in time for the weekend.
Tropical Storm Ophelia’s clouds and winds have already begun to move in, with the biggest impacts expected Saturday and Sunday along the coast.
The tropical storm will make landfall in North Carolina as a tropical storm early Saturday and then move into New Jersey as a tropical depression through early Monday.
However, the area will experience all sorts of tropical storm-like effects starting Friday night, including rain that will last into Monday.
The storm earned its name Tropical Storm Ophelia at 2 pm Friday of Potential Tropical Cyclone 16 when the National Hurricane Center reported tropical storm force winds near 60 miles per hour.
However, the area will experience all kinds of tropical storm-like effects starting tonight, including rain that will last until Monday.
Coastal flood watches and warnings increased in the southern counties of Queens, Nassau, Fairfield and Westchester, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean, while high surf advisories were issued for the southern shores of Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. A small craft advisory is in effect off the coasts of Long Island and New Jersey.
In coastal areas you can expect heavy rain, gusts of wind and even possible outages due to the impact of the storm.
Heavy rain is expected to continue into Saturday morning, with waves of heavy rain, including thunder, into Sunday. Flash flooding is possible. Additionally, minor to moderate coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous currents are likely, with Saturday afternoon being the peak time for coastal flooding. Typical flood zones, such as in Manasquan, will see road flooding.
As a tropical storm system moves up the East Coast, the town of Hempstead, Long Island, already announced it was taking precautions. Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin announced Friday the mobilization of the township’s storm response team amid the threat of severe weather over the weekend that includes heavy rain, high winds and possible coastal flooding. The storm response team is prepared to clear storm drains and remove downed trees if necessary.
Several weekend events have already been canceled or postponed, including:
- Bergen County Harvest Festival: Canceled Saturday
- John Coltrane Jazz Festival in Harlem – canceled
- Weehawken Day – canceled
- Yonkers Riverfest – postponed
Meanwhile, wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph are likely across the area, with winds of 50 to 60 mph possible along the New Jersey coast.
Irregular power outages are also possible as the trees have all their leaves adding weight to the branches and the winds will be consistent and persistent for many hours.
However, cooler, drier weather will prevail next week.
