Timing Of Weekend Nor'easter: When Will The Worst Hit PA?

A nor'easter storm is heading our way, and will bring widespread rain and gusty winds to the Philadelphia region, forecasters warn. The National Weather Service, which has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook ahead of the storm, warns the rain could be heavy enough to cause flooding.

The timing of the storm will likely bring it to the Philadelphia region overnight Friday into Saturday. Most of the precipitation from the nor'easter will be rain but some parts of New England could see wet snow, the National Weather Service said. (See full timeline below.)

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph along the coast and 40 mph inland are possible. Residents should prepare for possible power outages. "These strong winds could down tree limbs and power lines, possibly leading to some scattered power outages," the network said.

Two or more inches of rain are expected, and coastal flooding is also possible in New Jersey and Long Island.

The storm has already caused the cancelation of many local events, including Halloween parades and festivals.

Nor'easter storms — named for the dominant wind direction along the coast coming from the northeast — are common from fall through early spring. Last March, the Northeast experienced four in a single month, bringing record-setting snowfall.

Here is the timing of the storm, according to the Weather Channel:

Friday night: Showers will likely begin around 8 p.m., with precipitation getting heavier. By 11 p.m., there is a 100 percent chance of rain. A low temperature of 46 is predicted with winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Saturday: Rain and wind will continue. There is a 100 percent chance of rain through 7 a.m. Winds 20 to 30 mph, with gusts over 40 mph. Rain will begin to ease up by late morning. By 11 a.m., there is a 70 percent chance of rain. Showers and light rain will continue throughout the day.

Saturday night: Light rain will linger, then it will be come cloudy overnight. A low of 43 is predicted, with 5 to 10 mph winds.

Sunday: By Sunday, expect a mix of clouds and sun with temperatures in the mid-50s. Overnight Sunday into Monday, more rain will likely return.

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