A developing nor'easter moving through the Atlantic is forecast to deliver several days of strong winds, rough surf and coastal flooding to parts of the East Coast, stretching from North Carolina to New England.
Forecasts published October 18, 2026, indicate coastal communities could feel the storm's effects through Thursday.
Southeastern New England may see scattered showers on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Outer Banks Faces the Heaviest Impacts
The FOX Forecast Center expects the most significant impacts along North Carolina's Outer Banks, where wind gusts could reach 40 to 60 mph.
Powerful surf combined with elevated water levels could trigger moderate coastal flooding, beach erosion and ocean overwash.
A mandatory evacuation is in effect for Hatteras Island residents as conditions are expected to deteriorate.
The forecast center said effects could persist through late Wednesday evening and into Thursday, though impacts should gradually weaken.
Coastal flood alerts are active for coastal North Carolina and Virginia, where water levels could rise 2 to 4 feet.
Areas from the Outer Banks through Chesapeake Bay to Ocean City, Maryland, were also flagged as facing significant flooding concerns.
The timing of high tide and the roughest surf adds to the concern, with the most challenging conditions expected between noon and 4 p.
m.
Forecast models remain uncertain about how close the nor'easter will approach land.
The FOX Forecast Center warned that a closer track could substantially increase rainfall, wind intensity, wave heights and coastal erosion.
The National Hurricane Center has identified the offshore system as an area to watch for possible tropical development, assigning it a 30% chance over seven days.
However, the storm is expected to retain its frontal characteristics, making a fully tropical transition unlikely even over warm water.
Along the New England coast, impacts are expected to be less severe, with persistent breezes and a limited chance of showers.
A forecast published by The Boston Globe on October 18 said the offshore storm could maintain a pressure difference with high-pressure systems advancing from Canada, producing breezy conditions through much of the week.
Showers could reach Cape Cod and the islands before moving into southeastern Massachusetts on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Cloud cover and gusty winds are expected to be more prominent than rainfall.
Temperatures across much of New England should remain relatively mild during the storm's closest approach, with highs in the upper 50s to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Monday's forecast calls for sunshine after a potentially frosty morning, with temperatures approaching 60 degrees in Greater Boston.
The Boston Globe's extended outlook indicates a strong ridge of high pressure could bring warmer-than-average temperatures and additional dry, sunny days across the eastern United States during the eight- to 14-day forecast period.
The offshore nor'easter's eventual track and intensity remain key factors in determining the extent of coastal impacts through the middle of the week.
