Rare Fall Nor'easter Could Impact These US States This Weekend

If you’re on the East Coast throughout this week, and especially into the weekend, you may find yourself in the middle of the first fall nor’easter set to develop off the coast.

The nor’easter is expected to bring gusty winds, rain, and potential flooding along the East Coast. There is even a chance for thunderstorms to begin brewing as early as Sept. 21 across some central states as the storm heads toward the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast later in the week.

So where along the East Coast should you be most prepared? Here’s a general idea several days in advance.

While things can obviously change as we wait to see exactly how the low-pressure system tracks toward the coastline, these areas could see excessive rain, major wind gusts, and coastal flooding. The exact severity will depend on the state, with conditions expected to be worse near the coastline than farther inland.

Mid-Atlantic States: North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware

Northeast: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York

New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine

“NOR’EASTER BREWING: Parts of the East Coast will be battered by gusty winds and rain through the workweek as the first nor’easter of fall develops,” Fox Weather posted Monday morning. “The storm is expected to emerge off the coast toward the end of the week and could bring high surf, strong winds, coastal flooding and severe beach erosion through the weekend.”

Here’s a visual look at where the storm could have an impact.

What Exactly Is a Nor’easter?

There’s often a misconception surrounding what exactly a nor’easter is.

The basis of it is a strong low-pressure storm along the East Coast, and it ultimately gets its specific name because strong winds blow from the northeast over coastal areas.

Many assume when they hear “nor’easter” that it includes snow, and while that can often be the case, these storms can also occur during warmer months and instead bring heavy rain.

A nor’easter also doesn’t necessarily have to be the biggest storm. It can bring a range of impacts depending on the time of year and the storm’s track, including strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and, during the colder months, snow.

Related: Map Shows US States Facing Coldest Weather This Winter

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.