Josephine Threatens East Coast With Flooding and High Waves

Coastal communities along the US East Coast face several days of dangerous surf, possible flooding and strong winds as an Atlantic storm system moves northeast offshore. The National Hurricane Center officially named the October nor'easter Subtropical Storm Josephine on October 22, 2026, with the greatest prolonged coastal flooding risk extending from the Delmarva Peninsula to eastern North Carolina.

According to the storm forecast reported by weather.com, Josephine is expected to remain well offshore as it travels northeastward. The system could strengthen slightly, reaching sustained winds of 80 mph on Friday, October 23, while its heaviest winds and rainfall are forecast to remain over the Atlantic Ocean.

Despite the storm's new designation, its expected effects remain similar to those of a nor'easter. Dangerous rip currents could persist throughout the week, while high surf, beach erosion and coastal flooding threaten communities from Florida's Atlantic shoreline to New England.

North Carolina's Outer Banks face an elevated risk of coastal inundation, with water levels potentially reaching 1 to 4 feet, according to the weather.com report. High surf advisories are also in effect along the North Carolina coast, where waves could reach 14 feet.

Coastal areas of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey could experience inundation of up to 2 feet, accompanied by waves reaching 10 feet. River gauges from North Carolina to Maryland could also register water levels at moderate flood stage during high tide.

The expected coastal impacts extend beyond immediate flooding concerns. Significant beach erosion is possible along the East Coast as persistent waves and elevated water levels affect shorelines over several days.

As Josephine shifts north, the strongest wind gusts have moved from the Carolinas toward New England, according to weather.com. Gusts in coastal communities could bring down power lines, creating a risk of localized power disruptions.

Rainfall is expected to be less widespread than the coastal hazards. Forecasts indicate that most heavy precipitation will remain offshore, although intermittent showers could affect coastal areas as the storm continues moving northeast.

The weather.com report said Josephine is not expected to have as great an impact as the late September nor'easter. However, the combination of high surf, rip currents, coastal inundation and strong winds remains a concern across multiple East Coast states through the week.