Rare nor'easter brings heavy rain and strong winds to New England

Today, May 22, 2025, the Northeast of the United States is experiencing a rare May nor'easter, which is significantly impacting travel and holiday plans ahead of Memorial Day. This powerful storm system developed late on May 21 and has since unleashed heavy rainfall ranging from 1 to 3 inches across parts of New England and the Tri-State area, with the potential for local flooding, especially in low-lying neighborhoods. Wind gusts exceeding 45 miles per hour are anticipated, particularly along coastal regions, prompting concerns about travel disruptions at major airports, especially in Boston. The nor'easter's unusual characteristics can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong jet stream and a surge of Arctic air moving southward from Canada. This alignment has fueled the storm, creating conditions that are atypical for May when, normally, warmer weather is expected. Meteorologists highlight that nor'easters like this tend to occur in late winter and early spring, making this late-season storm an unusual and noteworthy event. Officials have issued flood advisories, and the rising water levels could lead to coastal flooding, although catastrophic damage is not anticipated. Temperature ranges during this event are likely to feel unseasonably cold, with highs remaining only in the 50s until the weekend. The rain is forecast to be heavy during the evening commute today, increasing the risk of urban flooding due to the combination of ground saturation and fully leafed-out trees that may bring down branches and lead to power outages. A coastal flood advisory is effective for tonight, with tide levels expected to rise six inches above normal. Looking forward, while today will see the peak effects of this storm, conditions are expected to improve by Sunday, May 25, when the weather should transition back to sunnier skies and warmer temperatures in the 60s. By Memorial Day, May 26, clear conditions and temperatures in the 70s are anticipated, allowing many to finally enjoy the holiday weekend. The rarity of nor'easters during this time of year often leads to disruptions, but the potential for both rain and wind has heightened concerns this year, making it an important event for residents and travelers alike.