Damaging Fall Nor'easter Targets New England For Holiday Weekend

A fall nor'easter could make for a washout of part of the upcoming holiday weekend as a strong, persistent northeast wind and heavy rain move in Sunday and last through Monday night.

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

While the exact track of the storm remained in doubt as of Thursday morning, it appears precipitation will span far enough north to dampen what is a three-day holiday weekend for many. The National Weather Service said rain is likely to move into New England from south to north during the afternoon on Sunday and remain steady through at least Monday night.

Related: Rhode Island Freeze Warning In Effect Thursday Night

Adding to the misery index — and possibly causing damage — will be a strong northeast wind that will likely make the storm resemble a winter nor'easter.

Only, thankfully, without the snow.

But even without snow, there will be freezing temperatures and frost.

See also: Rhode Island International Airport Makes Conde Nast Top 10

The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning for Rhode Island starting 11 p.m. Thursday.

Temperatures were expected to plummet to as low as 25 degrees and the "Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," the National Weather Service said.

The freeze warning was to remain in effect until 9 a.m. Friday, when temperatures were predicted to rise to 60 degrees.

See also: Rhode Island International Airport Makes Conde Nast Top 10

There is the potential for major coastal flooding from North Carolina to New Jersey and Cape Cod, according to AccuWeather.

"The risk of major coastal impacts is amplified by the storm occurring toward the end of the 'king tides,' a time when tides are already running above their historical averages from an astronomical perspective," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.

The highest impacts of the storm are expected to be along the coasts of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic, but effects will likely be felt well into New England. Hopes that a high-pressure system to the north might protect interior New England and salvage at least part of the second half of the weekend have faded as the storm has gotten closer.

Related: Heavy Rain, Patchy Fog Possible In Rhode Island: NWS

It could also mean bad news for fall foliage lovers as this is among the peak weekends for leaf-peeping across central New England. The high winds — which the NWS said will be persistent up to 30 mph and could gust much higher along the coast — are likely to knock down many of the leaves just as they are hitting their most vibrant state.

"Along the immediate coast, winds are likely to get strong enough with this from southeastern Virginia to Delmarva, New Jersey and southeastern New York and possibly southern New England to lead to tree, power line and property damage," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek said.

The heaviest rain, which may lead to urban flooding outside of storm surge problems, will generally be confined to the Interstate 95 corridor on east from North Carolina to Massachusetts. The storm is forecast to bring 2-4 inches of soaking rain in many coastal areas.

The storm will also likely be slow to depart during the week with showers possible into Tuesday and Wednesday.

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