Highlands, NJ — Coastal residents are bracing for another round of severe weather as forecasters warn that a powerful Nor’easter could impact the Jersey Shore this weekend, bringing wind gusts up to 60 mph, up to 5 inches of rain, and the potential for coastal flooding and power outages.
For Highlands — a waterfront community already vulnerable to flooding — this storm could pose serious challenges. Local residents are urged to secure outdoor items, check sump pumps, and prepare for possible power interruptions as early as Sunday night into Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, the primary impacts will include coastal flooding, beach erosion, and damaging winds. While this system might not bring snow, meteorologists say it could behave much like a classic winter Nor’easter, fueled by tropical moisture and cold air clashing offshore.
“This will be a damaging storm for some along the Atlantic coast,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno, warning that tides and waves may combine with heavy rainfall to worsen flooding in low-lying areas such as Bay Avenue, Waterwitch, and the marina district.
Even residents inland should stay alert — wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph and several inches of rain could lead to localized flooding and downed trees.
AccuWeather’s Jon Porter added that this system could be remembered for “major coastal flooding and significant beach erosion, especially after multiple storms have already weakened dunes and coastal infrastructure.”
For Highlands, where resilience has become part of daily life, residents know the drill — charging devices, fueling generators, and checking on neighbors before the storm hits.
Stay tuned to local updates and emergency alerts through Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management and the Borough of Highlands.
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