Timeline: Here's where and when major US cities will see impacts from the developing nor'easter

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First nor'easter of the season takes shape later this week

With fall finally here, Nor'easter storms are back, and storm effects are expected later this week, though some parts of the East Coast could enjoy pleasant autumn temperatures before the impacts begin.

THE TAKEAWAY

• The first fall nor'easter is expected to impact millions on the East Coast later this week.
• Some locations unaffected by the storm will experience pleasant fall temperatures this week.
• The main impact for affected areas will be gusty winds and heavy rain.

As fall finally arrives across the U.S., nor’easter storms are returning, and parts of the East Coast will be hit by gusty winds and rain throughout the week.

The first fall nor'easter develops into a powerful, week-long storm taking shape along the East Coast.

THE LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS

Rather than a quick-hitting storm, this system will bring an extended stretch of severe beach erosion, rough surf and the risk of coastal flooding days before the nor’easter heads north.

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The lucky few along the East Coast who are not affected by this developing storm will enjoy a beautiful week of fall weather.

The FOX Forecast Center breaks down the impacts of the nor’easter across the Northeast this week.

TROPICAL STORM FAY KEEPS CHURNING IN ATLANTIC, BUT ITS SHOT AT BECOMING A HURRICANE IS FADING

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Outer Banks

Expected key impacts for Monday through Wednesday.

• Impacts: Major coastal flooding, extreme surf and heavy, continuous rain.
• Wind and waves: Strong Northeast winds will gust into the 40 to 50 mph range, building dangerous offshore seas with wave heights reaching 15 to 18 feet just off the coast.
• Inundation and erosion: Pounding wave action across multiple high-tide cycles will trigger major coastal flooding and severe beach erosion. Ocean overwash onto coastal roadways (like Highway 12) is expected, resulting in scenes similar to last year's major coastal events.
• Rain outlook: Persistent rainy conditions will prevail, though widespread flash flooding is not currently anticipated.

Video from the island Providenciales showed the outer bands of Fiona's hurricane-force winds lashing the shores of the island. (image: @BenSabean via Storyful_

New Jersey to Virginia tidewater

Expected key impacts from Thursday through Friday.

• Impacts: Compounding tidal flooding and heavy wave action, focused heavily on the southern half of the state.
• Wind and waves: Onshore winds will gust generally in the 30 to 40 mph range, though gusts could trend higher if the low-pressure system tracks closer to the coast later in the week. Wave heights will build to 15 to 18 feet offshore.
• Tidal flooding: Persistent easterly winds will trap water in back bays and inlets over successive tide cycles. Moderate coastal flooding will develop mid-week, with the potential to reach major flood thresholds into the weekend.
• Rain outlook: Rainfall impacts remain uncertain and will depend entirely on how far inland the storm's precipitation shield extends.

WHERE DO ANIMALS GO WHEN FALL ARRIVES? INSIDE THE INCREDIBLE MIGRATIONS HAPPENING ACROSS THE US

Steady rain fell across Jersey City, New Jersey on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

(FOX Weather)

Boston and northern New England

Expected key impacts from Saturday through Sunday.

• Impacts: Potential for a major storm event, dependent on the final track of the low-pressure system.
• Track uncertainty: Confidence in the exact storm track remains low. Boston is currently the primary focal point, as the largest metro area in the potential storm path.

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Potential severe scenarios:

• If the low shifts close to Boston, this becomes a massive event with 60 to 70 mph wind gusts, heavy rainfall, major storm surge and significant disruptions to Boston Harbor and the Massachusetts coastline.
• If the low shifts close to New Jersey/Long Island, all impacts above will shift farther south, which could include New York City on the fringe.
• If the low stays offshore, coastal New England will experience rough surf, elevated tides and breezy conditions, but the severe rain and wind impacts will remain displaced to the south and East over open water.

Well before the nor’easter hits, typical autumn temperatures will surge for the East, as dry air streaming south out of Canada will fuel temperatures in the 40s and low 50s this week.

BRYAN NORCROSS: TROPICAL STORM FAY FORMS IN THE ATLANTIC AND A POSSIBLE HURRICANE THREAT FOR COASTAL MEXICO

"While overnight low temperatures will certainly be cool, the true showcase of this seasonal shift will be in the afternoon highs," the FOX Forecast Center said. "Temperatures will take a noticeable hit, staying in the 50s, 60s and 70s across much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic."

The system, driven by the strong pressure gradient between high pressure to the north and the offshore system to the south, will bring persistent brisk easterly winds and crisp fall days throughout the week.

FIRST FALL NOR'EASTER DEVELOPING, EXPECTED TO BATTER EAST COAST FOR DAYS WITH WIND, RAIN AND DANGEROUS SURF

This will mark a welcome start to fall across the East Coast, with pleasant temperatures before heavy rain and flooding hit coastal communities.