Heavy storms hit East Coast as nor'easter approaches New England

In the United States, heavy storms are currently impacting the East Coast while a Nor'easter approaches New England ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This late-season Nor'easter, which is a type of storm typically more common in the fall and winter, is expected to bring cold, heavy rain and strong winds. The storm has already begun to affect cities like Boston, where heavy rain is expected alongside wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph, creating potential for minor coastal flooding. While the heaviest rain is projected to begin on Thursday, showers might linger into Friday and Saturday, prolonging the soggy conditions for the region. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches could lead to localized flooding, complicating travel plans as families prepare for the holiday weekend. Despite concerns, meteorologists believe catastrophic flooding is unlikely but emphasize difficulties in driving conditions due to the storm. This unusual occurrence of a Nor'easter in May has left residents alert, as typically, such storms are associated with winter weather. The storms are largely a result of a low-pressure system migrating off the Mid-Atlantic states and the dynamics of the current jet stream. Weather experts note that this atmospheric condition has caused a significant deviation in typical weather patterns, resulting in this Nor'easter taking place later than usual in the season. As the situation unfolds, New Englanders are advised to prepare for difficult weather as they pursue their holiday plans, marking a stark contrast to the sunny conditions usually expected this time of year. If these atmospheric patterns had occurred earlier in the season, the storm could have resulted in a more severe winter weather event rather than mere rainfall. Additionally, strong storms are impacting other areas, including the Southeast, with at least 31 tornadoes reported across several states and heavy hail falling in parts of Tennessee and Alabama.