Coastal Battering to Accompany Blizzard in New England

An intense nor'easter will produce strong gales along the New England coastfrom Thursday afternoon into early Friday. During the height of the storm,winds will average 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 65 mph possible. The force of thewind will shove 20- to 30-foot waves against the coast, causing flooding andbeach erosion. The strong onshore winds could also create a minor storm surgein some areas. The high winds will also cause minor structural damage, and sometrees will be knocked down. As a result, be prepared for scattered poweroutages into Friday morning.Eastern New England will be in the warm sector of the storm and will be sparedany heavy snow accumulation. However, there will be a heavy, wind-driven rainThursday afternoon into Thursday night.