An early-season Nor'easter that could bring days of heavy rain, damaging winds and coastal erosion to New England is still all the buzz in the weather world as forecasters look to narrow the track of the storm to determine its impact.
As of Tuesday, forecast models coalesced around the prediction that there will be a stormy weekend — but remained divided over whether it would be cool and breezy with some showers, or include Tropical Storm-force winds and up to four days of rain.
The storm is expected to develop off the East Coast near the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic Wednesday and Thursday before lifting northward, bringing impacts to Atlantic beaches, as well as New York, and Boston, according to AccuWeather.
AccuWeather experts warn high pressure over Canada could influence the system to stall out.
"A primary factor with this event will revolve around how long these coastal impacts could persist," said AccuWeather expert meteorologist Alyssa Glenny. "If the storm nearly stalls, several days of persistent onshore winds and pounding surf could take a significant toll on beaches and vulnerable coastal communities, especially with astronomical high tides coinciding."
Strong northeast winds will push water toward the shore across several tide cycles, while higher tides from the full moon could make flooding and erosion even worse.
Regardless of the track, rough seas and some coastal erosion are expected.
Conditions on Tuesday already prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Rip Current Warning for portions of eastern, northeastern and southeastern Massachusetts, as well as Rhode Island.
"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the NWS said.
The 7-day NWS forecast as of Tuesday was calling for showers to move in Friday, with rain likely by Friday night, extending into at least Monday.
Steady winds were forecast throughout the weekend, peaking with gusts of up to 40 mph on Saturday.
The Latest Forecast (NWS):
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind around 17 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with an east wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 10 to 16 mph.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Thursday Night
A slight chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Breezy, with a north wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night
Showers likely, mainly after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Breezy, with a north wind 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Breezy, with a north wind 23 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Breezy, with a north wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Breezy, with a northeast wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Monday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind 14 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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