### Nor'easter Approaches New England Bringing Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds

Heavy storms accompanied by wind gusts reaching 50 mph are now affecting the East Coast as a nor'easter makes its way towards New England just ahead of Memorial Day weekend. This weather system originates from a low-pressure area in the Mid-Atlantic that is now moving out to sea and is transforming into a nor'easter.

New England, including Boston, is expected to experience the brunt of the storm on Thursday, with cold, windswept, and heavy rains. The strong winds and heavy precipitation bring the potential for minor coastal flooding. The deluge is expected to wrap up for Boston by Friday morning, although scattered showers may persist into Friday afternoon and Saturday as the nor'easter continues its northward journey. By the end of the week, much of the Northeast will have received between 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with the region expected to be completely dry again by Sunday.

Stormy conditions have also reached the East Coast, though most storms are not anticipated to be severe. However, early Wednesday morning saw a few scattered severe storms in the Southeast. Rain showers began in Washington, D.C. by 8 a.m., while thunderstorms were forecasted further south in parts of Virginia, specifically Richmond and Norfolk.

In Philadelphia, residents woke up to a rainy morning, and New York City is expected to experience occasional showers throughout the afternoon. Flood watches are in effect for Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania until Wednesday night due to the possibility of 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, which could lead to flooding in rivers, streams, and urban areas.

Additionally, strong storms are possible in eastern North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon and could extend into southern Missouri and northern Arkansas overnight.

In the past 48 hours, a significant tornado outbreak occurred, with at least 31 tornadoes reported across nine states from Oklahoma to Alabama. Particularly hard-hit on Tuesday were Alabama, Illinois, Tennessee, and Arkansas, which collectively reported 11 tornadoes. Tennessee and Alabama also faced baseball-sized hail and wind gusts exceeding 70 mph.

As the region prepares for Memorial Day weekend, residents are urged to stay updated on weather conditions and exercise caution, especially in flood-prone areas.