Massive October East Coast Storm Expected, Impact Uncertain

A potential coastal storm is expected to affect the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, including New Jersey, around the middle of Halloween week, bringing periods of moderate to locally heavy rain and gusty winds. While forecasters from various agencies, including the National Weather Service, AccuWeather, and private meteorologists, agree on the storm's possibility, there is significant uncertainty regarding its exact timing, track, and intensity. Most projections suggest that rain and wind impacts might occur from Tuesday through Thursday, possibly clearing before Halloween night, allowing for mostly dry but breezy conditions during trick-or-treating. The storm could coincide with Tropical Storm Melissa in the western Atlantic, potentially worsening beach conditions along the East Coast, although direct impacts from Melissa are unlikely. Additionally, colder-than-usual weather is forecast across the region, with temperatures more typical of early December and chances of early snow in higher elevations such as the Poconos. Overall, residents are advised to monitor updates as the situation evolves, especially regarding the parade and trick-or-treat activities in New Jersey and the wider East Coast.