Major Storm System to Impact Eastern U.S. This Weekend

Cities across the Eastern U.S. are bracing for a significant storm system expected to disrupt weekend plans with heavy rain, high winds, and severe thunderstorms. The storm, which will develop in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, is forecast to bring substantial rain and wind as it moves toward the East Coast, impacting the region through Monday.

Florida is already under flood and wind alerts. The Weather Channel has warned that the storm could spawn tornadoes. Florida Power & Light Co., the state’s largest utility, is addressing power outages caused by the storm’s heavy rain and strong winds.

As of late Saturday morning, over 7,000 customers were without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us. Residents are advised to avoid downed power lines and damaged equipment.

On Sunday, torrential rain is expected to blanket nearly all of Florida, with severe thunderstorms and possible nocturnal tornadoes in areas such as Tampa and Orlando. The storm will continue to track up the East Coast, intensifying as it moves. Heavy rain and strong winds are anticipated along the mid-Atlantic coast.

In New York, rain is expected to start late Sunday morning and continue through Monday night. The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch for Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, coastal Connecticut, and New London County.

Wind advisories are in effect for Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, southern Westchester, and much of interior southern Connecticut.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services has advised residents to prepare for up to three inches of rain, which may lead to flooding in areas such as the Mid-Hudson Valley and eastern Catskills. Gov. Kathy Hochul has pledged to monitor the situation and assist local governments if needed.

In Boston, the weather will deteriorate late Sunday into Monday, with the storm bringing heavy precipitation and gusty winds to southern New England.