One of the most powerful winter storms in years is set to develop along the East Coast this weekend, bringing heavy, wind-driven rain to the Washington region. The storm, expected to develop in the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, will track from the Florida Peninsula on Sunday morning to Virginia Beach on Monday morning before moving up to southern New England on Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Level 2 of 4 risk for excessive rainfall from Sunday into Monday as this moisture-laden storm approaches. Areas of light rain will break out on Sunday morning, progressing from south to north in the Washington region. Steadier rain will hold off until the afternoon and could turn quite heavy by Sunday evening, accompanied by increasing winds.

Widespread power outages are not expected, but isolated outages are possible as winds gust over 30 mph throughout much of the area on Sunday night. Areas near the Chesapeake Bay might experience gusts of over 40 mph. The storm is forecasted to bring record-challenging amounts of rain for this time of year, with storm totals expected to reach at least 2 inches in many locations and potentially up to 3 inches.

While the storm will draw abundant moisture from the Atlantic Ocean, it is not expected to bring snow as it did last Sunday night. However, a few snow showers or flurries are possible in the wake of the storm on Monday night. The storm's atmospheric pressure is projected to drop to near or below 980 millibars, comparable to some hurricanes, potentially setting record low-pressure readings for December in the Mid-Atlantic.

Localized flooding is a concern, especially in areas of poor drainage and near streams and creeks. The Weather Service might issue a flood watch as the heavy rain falls in an 8-12 hour period on Sunday afternoon into Sunday night. High tides may also run elevated due to the storm, causing potential beach erosion and shoreline flooding at the Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware beaches.

Despite concerns about flooding, the storm is part of a shift toward wetter conditions that could help alleviate the drought in the western part of the region. The effects of the strong El Niño climate pattern are linked to the increased rainfall in recent weeks.

In terms of power, a gale watch has been issued along the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac areas. Wind-whipped waves of 2-5 feet are possible, along with quickly shifting winds as the storm passes. While significant coastal flooding is not likely on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay, beach erosion and possible shoreline flooding are expected at the Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware beaches.

The storm is expected to bring an end to the dry fall and below-average rainfall for the year as it pushes Washington's rain total to about 7 inches for the period of November 20 to December 18. If the storm produces at least 2 inches of rain, it would make for the second-wettest stretch on record, with December 1993 being the only period with slightly more rainfall.

Residents are advised to clear storm drains and gutters ahead of the storm on Saturday and to stay updated on weather forecasts and any potential flood watches or warnings issued by the authorities.