Florida and the East Coast are bracing for a powerful storm this coming weekend, which will bring heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds across the region.
The storm, which could spawn a few tornadoes, is expected to bring up to six inches of rain to Florida, while major cities like Washington DC, New York and Boston can expect rainfall of two to four inches.
The storm, which has yet to be named, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Saturday, moving north along the East Coast and into New England.
Forecasters predict the storm will take shape over the Gulf of Mexico from Friday evening through early Saturday and grow stronger as it moves north toward the East Coast, as reported by the weather channel.
This powerful storm, which is accompanied by multiple disturbances, is expected to impact millions of people in at least 20 states, disrupting holiday travel plans.
There are two possible paths for the storm, as its exact path and strength are still unclear as of Friday afternoon, according to CNN. Weather.
Florida and the East Coast are bracing for a powerful storm this coming weekend, which will bring heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds across the region
Forecasters predict the storm will take shape over the Gulf of Mexico Friday evening through early Saturday and grow stronger as it moves north toward the East Coast.
The storm, which could spawn a few tornadoes, is expected to bring six inches of rain to Florida, while major cities like Washington DC, New York and Boston can expect rain of two to four inches.
Florida and the East Coast are bracing for a powerful storm this coming weekend, which will bring heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds across the region
There are two possible paths for the storm, as its exact path and strength are still unclear as of Friday afternoon, according to CNN Weather.
Coastal storm track
In the first scenario, the storm will directly impact the Florida peninsula, bringing a significant amount of flooding rain to the area before moving along the coastal region.
High winds and heavy rainfall are expected across the Florida Peninsula Saturday morning through overnight, potentially causing flash flooding in South Florida.
Strong wind gusts of 20 to 40 miles per hour will cause more coastal flooding along Florida's Gulf Coast and possibly the eastern Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys and the southeastern Atlantic coast.
Residents in the affected area should also be prepared for severe thunderstorms and some possible tornadoes.
The storm is expected to move northeast on Sunday, hitting the southeast coast with torrential rain and strong winds.
Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina could see heavy rain that could cause flash flooding.
Storm track inland
In the less likely second scenario, the storm could reach more of the Florida Panhandle on Saturday.
Forecasters predict wind gusts “may not be as strong or frequent” in the Peninsula region and will move into North Florida Saturday evening.
From Saturday night through Sunday, the storm is expected to spread wind and rain much further inland than in the first scenario.
The Carolinas will likely be affected, but with less intensity.
“A low confidence forecast exists for Saturday evening/night, but overnight tornado potential remains evident across the Florida Peninsula,” the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center wrote.
'Floods can occur in poor drainage and in urban areas. Storm drains and ditches can become clogged with debris.”
Major cities, including Boston, New York, Washington and Philadelphia, can expect up to four inches of rain
East Coast struck on Sunday
Heavy rain is expected to hit South Carolina, parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Sunday as the storm moves northeast, strengthening along the way.
Travel in major cities, including Boston, New York, Washington and Philadelphia, will be slowed due to high winds and heavy rain.
The storm is expected to peak on Monday, bringing the heaviest rain and strongest winds in New England.
Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour will hit the New England coast and along the Maine coast Monday afternoon.
Residents should be prepared for flooding, damaging winds and power outages in the region.
Major delays can be expected on roads and at airports starting Saturday morning, including the busy Corridor 95 Fox Forecast Center.
“I mean, Aisle 95 could be slammed any weekend. But you add that next week is the last full week before Christmas, and we are also wrapping up Hanukkah,” said FOX weather meteorologist Britta Merwin.
Rain combined with wind and cloudy skies can also disrupt airport arrivals and departures, causing delays and disruptions.
“We will easily get gusts of 40 to 45 miles per hour depending on the position of the low,” Merwin added.
'That could even increase the wind in the weather forecast. That is probably the most volatile variable when it comes to placement – depending on where the low point is over land or over water.”