Strengthening nor’easter threatens major coastal flooding and damaging winds along East Coast

(CNN) — A nasty coastal storm, known as a nor’easter, is organizing and strengthening off the Southeast US.

The storm is poised to deliver tropical storm-force wind gusts, soaking rain and dangerous seas up most of the East Coast into early next week.

It’s packing a serious punch as it strengthens and moves north. Gusty winds and rain are already hitting parts of the mid-Atlantic. Gusts over 30 mph have been measured near the North Carolina coast. Portions of North Carolina Highway 12 in the Outer Banks were closed due to heavy ocean overwash on Saturday.

But the worst conditions will start to unfold Sunday.

Water levels along the New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia coasts could rise to levels not seen in nearly a decade. The major coastal flooding could inundate roads and home