Travelers getting an early start on their holiday travel should prepare for the possibility of disruptions.
A major storm is bearing down on the East Coast, possibly causing delays, flooding and cancelations from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast through Monday, according to AccuWeather.
Travelers should be aware that travel is likely to be slow-going as the storm rolls through with roads flooded, flights delayed or canceled and power outages possible.
The storm, which moved up from the Gulf of Mexico, has not reached the criteria for a "bomb cyclone" but may not miss the designation by much as it gathers strength from now until Monday.
"There is the likelihood of damage along the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts from this storm as it intensifies rapidly and produces a zone of strong winds that pushes water from the Atlantic toward the shoreline, while at the same time, heavy rain pours down," said AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno. "Wind gusts will range between 40 and 60 mph and could approach 70 mph along the coast."
A broad portion of the storm is expected to bring 1-4 inches of rain from North Carolina to Maine with a total of 5 inches possible.
In Southeast states, the AccuWeather Local StormMax™ rainfall is 10 inches.
The worst of the storm is predicted to occur from Virginia to New York during Sunday afternoon and Sunday night and in New England from Sunday night to Monday midday with expected flooding, storm surge and high winds.
On Sunday, New York City issued a travel advisory that extends to Monday.
UPDATE: December 17, 2023
New York Mayor Eric Adams said: “With significant rainfall and high winds predicted for this Sunday into Monday, we want to remind New Yorkers to be alert, keep checking the forecast, and stay prepared."
The city is bracing for high winds, heavy rains and flooding.
“As the holiday season continues, New Yorkers commuting or traveling this week should be aware of and prepared for potential travel delays and other impacts due to the forecasted severe weather beginning Sunday night into Monday morning,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We're closely coordinating with city agencies and utilities to mitigate any disruptions, and to respond swiftly to any incidents. For New Yorkers near the coast, please be particularly vigilant about potential coastal flooding. Please allow for extra travel time and consider using public transportation. I encourage everyone to sign up for Notify NYC for real-time updates as we work to keep our city safe and informed during these festive but potentially challenging weather conditions.”
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