Millions brace for impact as nor'easter threatens East Coast today with up to 14-foot waves

A major nor' easter is forming right off the US East Coast, triggering flood alerts for millions as forecasters prepare for several days of dangerous weather. The powerful low-pressure system is already sending tropical storm-force winds towards several states, including the Carolinas, Virginia , Maryland , Delaware and New Jersey . Coastal flooding alerts have been issued from Florida to Massachusetts , as AccuWeather meteorologists warn that this could be a week-long event that develops into a tropical storm or hurricane. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said: 'The most significant coastal impacts are expected close to the center of the storm, potentially on the Outer Banks of North Carolina , southeastern Virginia and the beach communities of Maryland and Delaware.' Wind gusts of up to 70mph may be seen from North Carolina to southern New Jersey on Monday and Tuesday, hitting coastal communities including Atlantic City, Ocean City and Virginia Beach. The nor'easter has also triggered an official Storm Warning in the Atlantic, affecting anyone traveling 70 to 300 miles off the US East Coast around the Mid-Atlantic states. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Coastal Flood Advisories in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey through Wednesday, affecting more than three million people along the Atlantic. High Surf Advisories in several locations warn that large breaking waves of roughly seven to 14 feet will be possible, creating dangerous swimming conditions and strong rip currents that pull people out into the ocean. A potential tropical cyclone is developing along the US East Coast this week Coastal flooding and tropical storm-force winds are expected across several states Forecasters warn that the storm's dangerous impacts throughout the week will be the same regardless of whether the NWS declares it a named tropical cyclone or not and urged Americans to prepare for days of flooding, particularly during high tide. AccuWeather expert meteorologist Elizabeth Danco added in a statement: 'The biggest concern with this storm isn’t just how strong winds become, but how long coastal communities will have to endure them.' 'When water is pushed toward the coast for days, it may not have enough time to drain away between high tides. That can turn what might otherwise be a manageable flooding event into a prolonged disruption, with roads repeatedly underwater and beaches losing more sand with each passing tide cycle.' A nor'easter is a strong storm that forms along the US East Coast, named for the northeast winds that blow over the Mid-Atlantic and New England when a low-pressure system sits over the ocean. While they are usually thought of as giant snowstorms, nor'easters can happen at any time of the year, with the strongest ones hitting in late fall through winter. A storm hitting at the beginning of autumn is considered very rare. This is the second strong nor’easter to hit the East Coast this fall. The first came in late September 2026, affecting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast with coastal flooding, high winds and heavy rain. During the current nor'easter approaching the coast, the strongest storm-force winds and highest seas are expected from Monday through Wednesday. Multiple areas in Virginia are expected to be in the heart of the danger zone this week, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Suffolk and Portsmouth. Residents in coastal towns and low-tying areas have been warned to prepare for days of flooding (File Image) The major storm has triggered coastal flooding alerts from Florida to New Jersey Read More EXCLUSIVE Terrifying scientific study warns 'Blackout Arc' event could plunge 5 million into total darkness NWS officials warned in a statement: 'Expect up to one foot of water above ground level in low-lying, vulnerable areas. Some roads and low-lying property including parking lots, parks and lawns near the waterfront will experience shallow flooding.' As of Monday morning, the National Hurricane Center has given the storm a 40 percent chance of growing into a named tropical cyclone over the next week. If it continues to linger near the warm waters of the Gulf Stream this week, it may take on more of the characteristics seen among tropical cyclones in the Caribbean and Gulf of America, potentially morphing into Tropical Storm Josephine by Friday. While initial forecasts suggested that the storm would weaken and start moving away from the US by Thursday, AccuWeather's latest predictions show the nor'easter becoming 'nearly stationary' and prolonging coastal flooding on Wednesday and Thursday. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are expected to spread farther north along the New Jersey coast, Long Island, New York and into southern New England.