Weekend Nor'easter Now Looking Likely For PA, Forecasters Say

Forecasters say it is increasingly likely that a Nor'easter storm is on track to hit the Northeast this weekend. The Philadelphia region will likely endure rain and strong winds as a result of the storm, according to forecasters with The Weather Channel and the National Weather Service.

In addition to the rain and strong winds, the East Coast can expect to experience coastal flooding and even some snow in areas, according to a Wednesday update from The Weather Channel.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook ahead of the storm, saying the coastal low will bring the unsettled conditions. There is still "considerable uncertainty" in the timing and track of the storm at this point, the NWS noted.

The Weather Channel is predicting low pressure will be off or near the Southeast coast by Friday, and by Saturday, it will gather "modest strength" and ride up or just off the East Coast. This weekend's storm is not likely to come with snow for the Philadelphia region, but some areas in New England and Upstate New York may see accumulation.

Wind gusts of 50 mph or higher are also possible.

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 forecast:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. North wind 3 to 6 mph.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Calm wind.

Friday Night: Rain likely, mainly after 8pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a low around 44. Northeast wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 50. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: Rain. Low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday: A chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 54.

Image of a downed tree in the Oct. 29, 2011 snow storm, by Kara Seymour