Powerful storm to hit Florida and US East Coast: What’s the forecast?

(CNN) — A storm from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to hit Florida this Saturday and strengthen as it moves up the East Coast over the weekend, unleashing heavy rain, winds and hazards along the coast.

Despite the time of year, a major snowstorm isn’t expected, but this extremely hot, humid and windy storm could affect vacationers and leave people without power.

The storm’s path is clear as computer models based on the forecast show it will cross Florida on Saturday and approach the Atlantic coast on Sunday and Monday.

Here’s what to expect each day:

Saturday: Hurricane hits Florida

Heavy rain will reach parts of South and West Florida by mid-Saturday and will increase in intensity and intensity throughout the day. On Saturday night, heavy rain will drench almost the entire state and spread to the southeast.

A 2 out of 4 precipitation risk is forecast for much of Florida and south Georgia on Saturday. Saturday is likely to receive enough rain to cause flash flooding and overflow of streams and rivers.

South Florida will be hit by flash flooding this week after several rounds of heavy rain, but continued flooding could occur anywhere.

Saturday night will bring gusty winds and heavy rain as the storm’s center approaches the Florida coast. Widespread wind gusts of 50 to 65 km/h are possible across much of the Florida peninsula through Saturday night.

Strong winds are possible along the coast, but that will depend on the exact path the storm takes as it approaches the Florida coast on Saturday, which is still unclear.

A slight change in the storm’s track as it moves toward the Florida peninsula can shift the location of strong winds and cause a significant change in the location and extent of coastal flooding.

Damaging winds and a few tornadoes are possible Saturday night across the Florida Panhandle. Tampa and Orlando are at risk level 2 out of 5 for severe thunderstorms.

Sunday: Showers and winds spread along the east coast

On Sunday, the storm will track northeast from Florida and approach the East Coast, extending its effects from Georgia to northeast.

A category 2-of-4 heavy rain risk is in place from northern South Carolina to parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Sunday.

During the day, the Carolinas and coastal Georgia will experience heavy rain as the storm strengthens and begins to move onshore. Rain will begin to develop over the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions Sunday afternoon, but the heaviest showers will continue Sunday afternoon and evening.

Flash floods can occur in many flood-prone areas.

Strong winds will develop along the southeast to mid-Atlantic coast on Sunday and along the northeast coast on Sunday night. Winds of 65 to 80 km/h are likely to occur frequently along most of the coast, while inland areas will experience light winds, but severe winds will be avoided.

A combination of strong winds and heavy rain will slow travel across a significant portion of the region, especially along the busy I-95 corridor. Strong winds and reduced visibility may delay some flights.

Monday: The storm reaches its maximum strength in the northeast

The storm will reach full strength on Monday and cause disruption across the Northeast. It is forecast to move very close to the northeast coast at this time, but may move off the coast.

Regardless of its exact track, the storm will bring northeasterly-like impacts on the Northeast coast on Monday, with the exception of snow.

Heavy rain and strong winds could pile up in New England on Monday, but wet and windy conditions will be the norm across the Northeast.

Wind gusts of 95 km/h are possible along the New England coast beginning Monday morning and along the Maine coast Monday afternoon. Such strong winds are likely to cause power outages in the region, especially when heavy rains soak the soil and easily topple trees.

Wind-driven coastal flooding is also possible and can become significant if timed to coincide with high tides.

This article was published and updated on December 14.