Northeastern US: Wet, gusty weather in store for the upcoming weekend
In stark contrast to the warmth and sunshine enjoyed this past weekend by millions in the Northeast, a much wetter forecast is in the works for a large part the upcoming Easter weekend.
A large and slow-moving storm system is forecast to begin to overspread the region on Friday.
This is the same disturbance that buffeted the Plains and lower Mississippi Valley already and is expected to rattle areas along the the southern and mid-Atlantic coast on Friday.
Anyone traveling through the Northeast ahead of the holiday weekend or to Good Friday events will face newly slick roads and limited visibility, so plans should include extra travel time. In general, the heaviest rounds of rain are expected to impact New York and the mid-Atlantic.
Airline delays are therefore most likely at hubs in Pittsburgh; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Philadelphia; and New York.
In addition to flooding downpours, strong winds can further threaten the region by snapping branches and toppling trees.
Across the central and southern mid-Atlantic, conditions will be right for severe storms to develop, as well.
"The system's forward progress could be slowed as it reaches the Atlantic Coast, which would heighten the flash flood risk," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Reneé Duff.
This will be noticeable on Saturday, when the severe weather threat will wane, but clouds and showers persist.
Late Friday through Saturday, a surge of heavy rain and gusty winds are expected to move through the Northeast. Outdoor events may need to be moved indoors, or attendees will need to bring along warm, waterproof gear to face the drenching weather.
Flooding is likely to develop during this time in low-lying and poor-drainage areas, and anywhere the ground is already saturated.
While sunshine will be rare for Easter services on Sunday morning, the last of the soaking downpours will be contained to northern and eastern New England. Those attending outdoor services could contend with saturated ground, but otherwise, most events can go on as planned.
For the latest Easter weekend forecast for your community, download the free AccuWeather app, keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
