Rainfall amounts expected in a storm system forecast for Dec. 17-18, 2023. (Graphic: NWS)
The National Weather Service is warning Shore area residents that a coastal storm currently affecting Florida and other areas of the southeast will move into the region Sunday into Monday – the second nor’easter in a week, timed almost identically to the previous storm.
Forecast models indicate the storm may not drop as much precipitation on the area as last week’s storm, which produced between 3 to 4 inches of rain in some areas, but will still come with the traditional accompaniments of wind, bayside flooding and beach erosion.
The current forecast calls for:
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- A period of heavy rain between Sunday night and Monday morning.
- Some flooding of creeks and streams inland.
- Strong onshore winds Sunday and Sunday night, turning northwest Monday and remaining gusty.
- Minor to moderate coastal/tidal flooding, especially at Sunday night’s high tide.
- Gale force winds and dangerous seas offshore.
After a cold start this morning, it will turn milder by this afternoon with plenty of sunshine. The weekend will be mild, but enjoy Saturday as Sunday's weather will go downhill. Have a great Friday! #pawx #njwx #mdwx #dewx pic.twitter.com/beTLxsttpM
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) December 15, 2023
“Windy conditions may cause isolated instances of tree damage and power outages on Sunday,” the NWS said in a statement.
The storm will be followed by a surge of colder air, and there is a chance of snow flurries at the tail end of the system, though forecasters have ruled out any accumulation locally. Even in the northernmost reaches of the state, no more than a half-inch of snow is expected to fall, and is unlikely to amount to any accumulation on roadways.
Sunday’s high will be a mild 56 degrees, with the rain moving in after 1 p.m., according to the latest NWS forecast. East winds are expected to move around 15 m.p.h., with gusts as high as 30 m.p.h. during the day. About a half-inch of rain is expected to fall during the day Sunday, before 1-2 additional inches fall at night, with wind gusts increasing.
The system will move out of the region Monday, though rain – heavy at times – may linger until 1 p.m., the NWS forecast said. The daytime high Monday will be 57 degrees before dropping to just 36 degrees at night. Sun is expected to return Tuesday, with temperatures barely breaking the 40-degree mark and hovering around freezing at night.
