A powerful Nor'easter is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the East Coast, while a separate storm system targets the West Coast with potential thunderstorms and Sierra Nevada snow, according to a weather forecast issued late Friday. The East Coast system, intensifying along the mid-Atlantic, is expected to produce 40-60 mph wind gusts and 2-5 inches of rain, with localized coastal flooding. The storm is forecast to move north toward New England by late Sunday into Monday, bringing gale to storm-force winds offshore, 10-15 foot surf, and potential inland urban flooding. On the West Coast, a stalled cutoff low off California is drawing subtropical moisture, leading to the possibility of isolated thunderstorms starting Saturday, impacting Northern California and Oregon, and Southern California by Tuesday. Snow levels in the Sierra Nevada are expected to be around 6,500 feet in Northern California, higher in Southern California. An atmospheric river may develop mid-to-late week, according to the forecast. In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, above-ground power lines are at risk of outages due to anticipated wind gusts potentially exceeding 60 mph. State officials reported that over 7,000 utility line workers are in place and ready to respond to power outages, as stated by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services on Friday.
