Nor’easter set to hit East Coast today and continue through weekend

Millions of Americans are gearing up for a rare, multiday nor’easter that is set to start pummeling the Northeast with rain, wind and flooding Friday.

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Coastal flood alerts are in effect for 33 million people along the East Coast as of Friday morning, affecting states from Virginia to Rhode Island.

The storm already brought gusty winds and early flooding across the Eastern Seaboard on Thursday, with rough waves pounding shorelines. Winds up to 65 mph are forecast, with the strongest winds expected through Saturday night on Long Island in New York and in New England.

Heavy rain bands — up to 4 to 6 inches — will hit the area Saturday and into Sunday, and winds will push water onto shore, with 1 to 4 feet of inundation expected.

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Widespread 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible from the Interstate 95 corridor to the coast. The Jersey Shore, Long Island and coastal New England are the locations likely to see the highest rain totals.

Waves of 10 to 18 feet are expected, with coastal flooding forecasts of 1 to 4 feet depending on the area.

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