A State of Emergency has been declared in New Jersey starting Saturday night, as a 'hurricane-like' storm is expected to batter the coast.
The order takes effect at 10pm ET and includes all 21 counties, home to more than nine million Americans.
Meteorologists have warned that this dangerous nor'easter will unleash up to 50mph winds inland and 60 mph gusts along the coast, along with substantial rainfall.
Governor Tahesha Way said on Friday: 'Starting on Sunday, a dangerous coastal storm will begin to move past our state with extreme weather conditions for several counties, especially those on the Shore.'
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that widespread roadway flooding, impassable roads, inundation of structures and evacuations are possible through Monday.
According to AccuWeather, the storm is currently rated a 1, meaning it could produce hurricane-like conditions along parts of the coast.
Should the storm's intensity escalate, it would be named Lorenzo, which is the next name on the 2025 Atlantic hurricane list.
AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said: 'There is a high risk this storm will be designated a subtropical (hybrid) storm, which is why we have designated this system as a tropical wind and rainstorm, and have issued an eye path map to raise early awareness ahead of potential National Hurricane Center (NHC) classification.'
AccuWeather's forecast shows coastal cities from South Carolina to New Jersey have a 'high risk to lives and property' from tonight into Monday evening.
The Garden State should expect 1 to 3 inches of rain over 36 to 48 hours, starting tomorrow night.
Officials warned residents living in Jersey Shore counties to prepare for power outages and property damage.
The NWS said that beaches could experience severe erosion and dune damage due to exceptionally high surf.
Coastal communities may face compounded flooding risks as heavy rainfall coincides with moderate to major tidal surges.
Flood watches are in place for all Atlantic coastal and Delaware Bay communities in New Jersey, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties.
The most intense rain is forecast from Sunday afternoon through Monday, with showers possibly continuing into early Tuesday.
Further inland, winds and rainfall are expected to be less severe, though gusts of 30 to 50mph could affect areas along the I-95 corridor.
By Tuesday, the storm is anticipated to weaken and move offshore, gradually improving conditions.
High pressure is then expected to build over the region by midweek, bringing cooler temperatures and more stable weather.
The NWS issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for most of the northeast, warning that conditions are likely to deteriorate starting Saturday and Sunday.
A Gale Watch is in effect for New York Harbor from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon, while portions of the Atlantic coastal waters, including Moriches Inlet to Montauk Point, Fire Island Inlet and Sandy Hook.
Additionally, a Storm Watch has been issued for the same waters from Sunday morning through late Sunday night.
The advisory covers Long Island Sound east and west of New Haven, Port Jefferson to the Mouth of the Connecticut River, Peconic and Gardiners Bays and the South Shore Bays from Jones Inlet through Shinnecock Bay.
Southwest New York, including Rockland and northern Westchester counties, may experience tidal flooding along the Hudson River Sunday night into Monday.
Southeastern New York, including Brooklyn, Queens and parts of Suffolk and Nassau counties, is under a Coastal Flood Watch from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon and a High Wind Watch Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.
The NWS urges residents to stay informed through NOAA Weather Radio or the NWS website, follow local advisories, and exercise caution, though spotter activation is not expected at this time.
The watches and warnings will remain in effect until officials determine that the threat has passed.
