**Nor'easter Strengthens, Threatens East Coast with Flooding and Winds**

A powerful nor'easter is intensifying as it moves up the mid-Atlantic coast, bringing damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to disrupt air travel at major Northeast airports and cause coastal flooding along the mid-Atlantic region.

The nor'easter derives its name from the northeast winds that precede its center, which push water toward the coast. This phenomenon can lead to beach erosion and flooding. Wind gusts exceeding 50 mph have already been recorded in North Carolina, with a peak gust of 61 mph at Cape Lookout. As the storm progresses northward, strong winds are anticipated to spread further into the region on Sunday.

Coastal water levels in parts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia could rise to heights not seen in nearly a decade from Sunday afternoon into Monday. Major coastal flooding is likely to inundate roads and homes, exacerbated by heavy rain and strong winds. More than 20 river gauge locations along the East Coast are forecasted to reach moderate or major flood stages, particularly affecting areas from Virginia Tidewater to southern New Jersey.

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, water levels are projected to reach major flood stage on Sunday afternoon, potentially exceeding 8 feet on Monday. This would mark the highest level since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Cape May, New Jersey, is also expected to see water levels rise above 8 feet, ranking as the third-highest on record.

The slow movement of the nor'easter will lead to multiple rounds of coastal flooding and increased beach erosion along the East Coast. The storm has already caused coastal flooding in the Southeast, with parts of North Carolina Highway 12 closed due to ocean overwash. In the Outer Banks, ongoing beach erosion has resulted in at least nine unoccupied homes collapsing into the Atlantic since September 30.

Wind and heavy rain are not the only concerns. A recent study indicates that climate change is intensifying the winds of the strongest nor'easters. This storm is expected to produce prolonged wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph along the coast, with gusts over 55 mph likely from New Jersey to southern New England. These winds, comparable to those of a tropical storm, could last into Tuesday morning, posing risks of downed tree branches and flying debris.

Power outages are a possibility, especially in coastal areas, and gusty winds may extend inland to more populated regions. Air travel delays and cancellations are expected on Sunday and Monday at major hubs, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are anticipated along the East Coast, with some areas in eastern North Carolina and southeastern New England possibly receiving up to 6 inches. Localized flash flooding is a concern in regions experiencing heavy rain.

The nor'easter is expected to weaken or move away from the coast by Tuesday, allowing high pressure to build in behind the storm, leading to drier weather and diminishing winds.