Nor'Easter Could Slam NJ With 60 MPH Wind Gusts, 5 Inches Of Rain

Forecasters are warning of a potentially significant coastal storm that could slam New Jersey with 60 mph wind gusts, up to 5 inches of rain, coastal flooding, beach erosion and more.

The storm could evolve into a named tropical storm, but may be more akin to a powerful winter nor'easter, just without the snow.

"This will be a damaging storm for some along the Atlantic coast," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.

While the storm won't reach the Garden State until Sunday into Monday, forecasters are concerned that this could be a severe event, despite the forecast not being totally set in stone. There are still uncertainty with how things could play out.

"While there remains various scenarios for the storm’s track and intensity—each critical to determining the severity of impacts—it is important to point out that there is a risk the tropical wind and rainstorm could be remembered for producing major coastal flooding and significant beach erosion, especially after multiple storms off the coast may have weakened dunes and coastal infrastructure," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter.

However, forecasters anticipate that the storm's primary impacts will be from coastal flooding, beach erosion, strong to potentially damaging winds and heavy rain, according to the National Weather Service.

The worst of this will happen along the Jersey Shore. That said, those living inland aren't in the clear, as wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph and heavy rainfall are forecast there as well.

Offshore waves could reach 10 to 20 feet or even higher, and strong winds could bring down trees and power lines.

Early models suggest a widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain across the area, with local amounts of 3 to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Coastal residents will want to stay aware of the changing forecast, particularly those living near Barnegat Bay and south, as the worst of the flooding is expected there. Patch will share updates to the forecast as they come.