Nor'easter update: Storm hits South Jersey shore towns, Atlantic City Rail Line suspended

PHILADELPHIA - A powerful nor’easter began pushing its way through the Philadelphia metro area on Sunday, keeping streets wet, winds strong and waters elevated along the shores and tidal rivers.  

What we know:

The main hazards this round: coastal flooding, strong winds, erosion and dangerous marine conditions, particularly along Delaware Bay, the Atlantic coast and waterfront communities.

Forecasters at NWS Mount Holly / Philadelphia say the coastal system will bring moderate to major flooding to tidal zones, especially during high tides Sunday night into Monday. Water levels will be pushed inland in spots along the Delaware River waterfront, Camden and Gloucester County lowlands, Atlantic City area and communities along Delaware Bay. 

Rain is expected to fall steadily from Sunday through Monday, with coastal zones possibly seeing 1.5 to 3 inches. Inland areas may get somewhat less. While flash flooding from rainfall alone is not the primary concern, rain will exacerbate tidal flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

Fox Weather

Winds will ramp up Sunday, especially near the coast and over open waters. Gusts may reach 40-50 mph in exposed locales, threatening tree limbs, utility lines and causing localized power outages.

Marine conditions will be severe: gale to storm-force winds, rough seas and dangerous surf and rip currents are expected. Mariners are strongly cautioned to avoid offshore travel.

Rail impacts

New Jersey Transit also announced Sunday that service on the Atlantic City Rail Line (ACRL) will be impacted due to the heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding that's expected through Monday evening. 

Specifically, ACRL service is suspended between Atlantic City and Philadelphia 30th Street Station through the end of service on Oct. 13. 

New Jersey, Delaware impacts

The nor'easter hit Ocean City, New Jersey on Sunday, with FOX Weather videos showing rising water along the coast. 

According to NWS Mount Holly, the onshore push will lead to widespread minor tidal flooding across Delaware Bay, the lower Delaware River and adjacent coastal zones, as well. High tide cycles late Sunday into Monday are expected to produce the most significant flooding, with water likely to creep into streets and low-lying properties near the waterfront.

The forecast office warns that at least moderate flooding may occur in vulnerable locations such as Camden’s waterfront, Burlington County bayfront and along the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers’ tide-influenced reaches. Officials urge caution in traveling near tidal rivers and along coastal roadways during peak tide times.

What's next:

Conditions should gradually begin improving Monday afternoon into evening as the storm system pulls away. Tidal flooding risk will taper off during Monday’s high tide cycle, though lingering elevated levels may still affect waterfront roads and properties. By Tuesday, lighter winds and scattered showers will persist along the coast before clearing.