New Jersey Weather Forecast: Nor’easter begins to whip up with high winds and rain. Major flooding along the Jersey Shore is likely.

A powerful nor’easter began hitting New Jersey early Sunday with bands of heavy rain and strong winds, with the greatest concern for major flooding of the Jersey Shore during high tide.

“Moderate to major impacts from coastal flooding remain likely,” the National Weather Service said in a storm update Sunday morning. “Widespread flooding of roads and impassable roads, significant flooding of structures and evacuations are possible. »

All 21 New Jersey counties remain under a state of emergency that went into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings and coastal flooding warnings for several New Jersey counties, with wind gusts of up to 60 mph and storm surge threatening coastal communities.

The storm will bring intense northeast winds on Sunday, with the strongest impacts expected Sunday evening through Monday morning.

Inland areas can expect wind gusts around 30 to 40 mph, bringing the risk of widespread power outages.

There is some good news in the latest forecast update. Precipitation total forecasts continued to decline.

Most of New Jersey is now expected to receive less than an inch of rain.

Counties along the Jersey Shore are now expected to receive between 1 and 3 inches of rain.

“Coastal areas could experience a worsened impact with heavy rain in addition to moderate to major tidal flooding, particularly during the high tide cycle,” the weather service said.

The National Weather Service is warning of potential beach erosion and possible dune breaching across the Jersey Shore, with breaking waves reaching 8 to 12 feet.

The next three high tides, which will begin Sunday afternoon, remain the main concern for major flooding.

The forecast high tide for the Atlantic City waterfront is expected to reach 8.1 feet Monday afternoon, just above the major flood stage, but below record levels of 9 feet.

High tides in Cape May Harbor are expected to reach major flood stage Sunday and Monday afternoon.

Residents in coastal areas should prepare for possible power outages, flooding and wind damage.

The National Weather Service recommends securing loose outdoor objects, staying away from coastal areas during high tide, and preparing for possible emergency evacuations.

The storm will begin to weaken and move away from New Jersey Monday evening, with conditions gradually improving by Tuesday.

High pressure will begin to move into the region mid-week, bringing drier and cooler conditions.

Temperatures are expected to trend below normal Thursday and Friday, with a return to more typical fall weather by the weekend.

Current weather radar