Nor'easter brings intermittent showers and breezy conditions to DC area this weekend

Key points

• The storm is forecast to track north of New Jersey before looping southwest, placing the DC area on its western edge.
• Rain is most likely between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, with showers tapering off by Sunday evening.
• Wind gusts of 20-30 mph are expected in DC, while coastal areas may see gusts of 40-45 mph.
• Rainfall totals in DC are uncertain, with models predicting between 0.1 and 0.75 inches, but amounts are expected to be higher east of the Beltway.

Background

This nor'easter follows a recent period of severe thunderstorms in the DC area in early September, which produced damaging winds and heavy rain. The current system is distinct from the tropical moisture brought by Tropical Storm Marie to Arizona in early September and is part of a broader pattern of coastal storms affecting the East Coast this fall.

How outlets are covering it

Capital Weather emphasizes the uncertainty in rainfall totals for DC, noting that models vary significantly, with some predicting as little as 0.1 inches and others up to 0.75 inches. They highlight that the DC area is on the southwest edge of the storm, making precise rainfall predictions difficult. NBC4 Washington focuses on the broader regional impact, noting that the storm will bring rain to the DC area and that the system will linger into Monday. WPTZ, covering Vermont and New York, notes that the storm will bring heavy rain to southern areas and gusty winds that could cause leaf drop and isolated power outages. WMAR 2 News Baltimore describes the storm as bringing 'wave after wave' of showers, with rainfall totals likely staying below a half inch for most of the region. All sources agree that the storm will bring intermittent showers and breezy conditions, but they differ in their emphasis on the severity of the impacts, with Capital Weather and WMAR 2 News Baltimore focusing on the lighter rainfall in DC, while WPTZ and NBC4 Washington highlight the broader regional impacts.

Why it matters

The nor'easter could impact travel and outdoor events in the DC area, with intermittent showers and breezy conditions expected this weekend. The storm's impact on the Atlantic coast, including coastal flooding and strong winds, could also affect coastal communities and infrastructure. The uncertainty in rainfall totals for DC highlights the challenges of forecasting the impact of coastal storms, which can vary significantly depending on the storm's track.

What to watch

The storm is expected to lift out of the DC area on Monday, with a drying and warmer trend setting up for the following week. Rainfall totals in DC are expected to be light, with most of the rain concentrated east of the Beltway and along the Atlantic coast. Wind gusts are expected to taper off by Monday, with calmer conditions returning to the region.