New Nor'easter Forms Off Atlantic Coast: How It Could Impact MD

Maryland's coast may see another round of rough weather as a new nor'easter takes shape, threatening strong winds, beach erosion and coastal flooding in parts of the state next week.

Just three weeks after a powerful nor'easter battered the Mid-Atlantic coastline, AccuWeather meteorologists say another storm is expected to develop off the Carolina coast this weekend before strengthening and potentially drifting closer to Maryland.

The greatest concerns are along the Eastern Shore, particularly Ocean City and other beach communities, where several days of pounding surf and higher-than-normal tides could create problems for residents and visitors.

"The most significant coastal impacts are expected close to the center of the storm, potentially on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, southeastern Virginia and the beach communities of Maryland and Delaware," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said.

When Will The Nor'easter Arrive?

The storm is expected to develop this weekend, with impacts potentially beginning Sunday and continuing through much of next week.

The National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington forecast office said Saturday morning that the storm could linger offshore for several days, bringing northeast winds and daily chances of showers.

Areas along and east of Interstate 95 have the best chance of rain, though how much falls will depend on the storm's eventual track.

That remains a big question.

Some forecast models keep the nor'easter farther offshore, limiting its effects on Maryland. Others bring it closer to the coast, increasing the potential for rain, wind and flooding.

Coastal Flooding, Strong Winds Possible

AccuWeather forecasts wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph along portions of the Mid-Atlantic coast, stretching from southern New Jersey to North Carolina. The strongest winds are expected farther south, closer to the storm's center.

Along Maryland's beaches, the biggest concern may be what happens when persistent northeast winds push ocean water toward shore.

AccuWeather says coastal flooding could occur during multiple high-tide cycles, with water covering some low-lying roads and streets in vulnerable beach communities.

Because the storm could linger for several days, repeated rounds of rough surf may batter beaches.

The National Weather Service is also monitoring the Chesapeake Bay, where gusty northeast winds could create hazardous boating conditions through much of next week.

Small Craft Advisories and gale conditions are possible on portions of the Bay, particularly its wider and southern waters.

Could It Become A Tropical Storm?

AccuWeather says the nor'easter could gradually take on tropical or subtropical characteristics as it lingers near the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

If it strengthens into a named tropical or subtropical storm, the next name on the Atlantic hurricane season list is Josephine.

But a name wouldn't necessarily change what Maryland experiences.

"Regardless of whether or not the low-pressure area becomes a tropical or subtropical storm, expected impacts would effectively remain the same," Douty said.

What About Baltimore And Central Maryland?

For communities farther inland, including Baltimore and the Washington suburbs, the forecast is less threatening.

The National Weather Service says the nor'easter could bring breezy conditions and occasional showers next week, especially if it moves closer to the coast.

If the storm stays offshore, much of central and western Maryland will see fewer impacts.

Meanwhile, Maryland has a more immediate weather concern: chilly temperatures this weekend.

Highs Saturday are expected to remain in the 50s across much of the state, with freeze warnings and frost advisories in effect for portions of Maryland early Sunday morning.

Temperatures should gradually rebound early next week, even as forecasters keep an eye on the developing coastal storm.

For now, anyone planning a beach trip or spending time on the Chesapeake Bay next week should keep a close watch on the forecast.

The nor'easter's exact track, strength and potential impacts are still uncertain, and even a relatively small shift could make a noticeable difference along Maryland's coast.