A powerful nor’easter developing this week will bring wicked winds, rough surf, and heavy rains to coastal communities from North Carolina to Nova Scotia.

These types of storms are more synonymous with mid-winter than mid-fall. And true to form, this storm is a little different. It won’t drop snow or ice like a classic winter nor’easter. In fact, this system may bring a tease of tropical weather to an Atlantic basin that’s been devoid of hurricane activity so far this year.

Nor’easters are special types of low-pressure systems that earn their name from the fierce northeasterly winds that can lash coastlines.

The seed that’ll grow into this weekend’s nor’easter started developing on Wednesday a few hundred miles off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The system will meander toward New England into this weekend before slowly winding down into early next week.

Forecasters expect strong, persistent winds to hit coastal locations from North Carolina to Nova Scotia. The strongest gusts will buffet New England through Friday and Saturday, when winds may reach 60 to 70 mph.

Communities throughout the region can expect coastal flooding, beach erosion, life-threatening rip currents, and dangerously rough surf. Isolated power outages are possible. Flight delays at New York's and Boston’s airports are also likely due to blustery winds and rain.

Computer models still don’t entirely agree on how close to the coast this storm will track, or how long it’ll linger in the area—both factors that are crucial to determining exact impacts. A slower track closer to the coast will plaster the region with stronger winds and heavier rainfall than a faster path or one that keeps the center of the storm farther out to sea.

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