Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Travel Disruptions to East Coast

A strengthening nor’easter brought flooding, dangerous surf and travel disruption to parts of the East Coast on Friday, while forecasters warned that coastal communities from the Mid-Atlantic to New England faced worsening hazards through the weekend. The storm’s track and the locations of its heaviest rain and strongest winds remained uncertain. Flooding was reported in Virginia, and coastal flooding forced the closure of a section of Highway 12 on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. In New Jersey, officials in Manasquan issued a voluntary evacuation notice for residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas near the ocean and back bays, urging them to move to higher ground before conditions deteriorated. The National Weather Service warned that storm-force winds and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. It advised mariners to remain in port, alter course or secure their vessels. Beach closures and warnings to stay out of the water were also reported in coastal communities as large waves and dangerous surf developed. Forecasters said strong onshore winds could drive water onto the coast, with high tides adding to the flood risk.