Hurricane Maria: Will New York City Be Affected?

NEW YORK, NY — After Hurricane Maria pummeled Puerto Rico, leaving the island with no power and killing at least eight people, the storm has taken a northward turn and could be eyeing part of the country's east coast.

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows the storm bending slightly westward, which could put it on a path toward Delaware, New Jersey and possibly New York City.

Steering winds, though, are likely to blow it out into the Atlantic Ocean before it could make landfall in the continental United States, forecasters say.

"Maria should be steered on a general northerly course this weekend into the start of next week," AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said. "This northerly path is likely to be followed by a northeasterly turn."

That doesn't mean New York City and its surrounding areas will be totally immune to its effects.

At the very least, a new round of rough seas, dangerous surf and beach erosion is in store for much of the east coast of the United States next week, according to AccuWeather. How severe these conditions get will depend on Maria's strength and proximity to the coast.

And, of course, the storm could bring some wind and rain to the city, as Hurricane Jose did earlier this week. That likely wouldn't happen until late next week or the weekend.

As of now, though, the National Weather Service is predicting sunny or partly cloudy skies through Friday.

Image via National Hurricane Center