Nor’easter brings damaging winds, coastal flooding to Northeast

While nor’easters are known for their heavy snow, a storm hitting the northeastern U.S. is mostly bringing damaging winds and coastal flooding this weekend. Coastal flood warnings and advisories are in effect for Long Island and the New Jersey coast. Forecasters say low-lying areas along the New Jersey coast could see up to 2 feet of coastal flooding. Up to a foot of coastal flooding is possible along the Long Island coast, according to the National Weather Service. RELATED STORY | Interactive: What an El Niño-polar vortex clash could mean for your winter There are also gale warnings in the region, with winds potentially exceeding 40 mph along the coast. Away from the coast, some parts of the Northeast could get their first measurable snowfall of the winter. Several inches of snow are forecast for areas around Oneonta, New York. The nor’easter could be among many to strike the region this winter. A strong El Niño pattern is expected to dominate this season’s weather and could increase precipitation in major Northeast cities. RELATED STORY | Receding floodwaters leave a sea of mud and shattered homes in the US Southwest El Niño, however, could also help keep winter storms at bay because warmer temperatures are more typical. But if temperatures get cold enough, the likelihood of a larger winter weather event increases during El Niño years.