Millions of people across the Northeast are preparing for a significant nor'easter that began impacting the region with heavy rain and strong winds through the weekend. The storm, which has already generated waves up to 19 feet along the North Carolina coast, is forecast to bring widespread disruptions, including potential power outages and flight delays.

The nor'easter's arrival marks a period of severe weather for a large swath of the Eastern Seaboard, with coastal areas from North Carolina to Maine under alerts. The storm's intensity is expected to peak on Saturday before gradually weakening early next week.

Significant wave action is a primary concern, with up to 19-foot waves already recorded off the Outer Banks. Forecasts indicate waves of up to 12 feet will persist from North Carolina to New Jersey through Saturday, and along the New England coast through Sunday. Coastal flood alerts are in effect, with inundation expected to reach up to three feet above normal levels in some areas.

High winds are also posing a threat, particularly along the Jersey Shore, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts coasts, where gusts up to 60 mph are possible from Friday night into Sunday. New York City anticipates wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph during the same period.

The precipitation associated with the nor'easter began Saturday morning, affecting areas from New Jersey to Massachusetts. While the storm is expected to weaken on Sunday, much of the Northeast, from Washington D.C. to Maine, will continue to experience wet conditions. The storm is projected to stall over New Jersey on Sunday before slowly moving into New England on Monday, eventually dissipating by Tuesday.

Accumulations of 4 to 6 inches of rain are anticipated in Boston, Rhode Island, coastal New Jersey, and Long Island, with 2 to 4 inches expected more broadly from Delaware to Maine. While isolated flash flooding is possible, the multi-day nature of the rainfall is expected to mitigate the risk of widespread, significant flash flooding.

The storm's impact has already led to several high-profile cancellations. Ed Sheeran's weekend concerts at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been called off. Additionally, the Oceans Calling music festival in Ocean City, Maryland, scheduled for this weekend, has also been canceled due to the severe weather.

Nor'easters are characterized by winds blowing from the northeast, typically occurring between September and April, and are known for bringing heavy precipitation. This particular storm's trajectory and strength are being closely monitored by meteorologists and emergency management officials across the affected states.