Rain pushed along by 40-mph wind gusts began falling across Southern New Jersey this morning as a slow-moving nor’easter started its assault on the South Jersey  during the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 6.

By the time the storm exits the area sometime Thursday, March 7, South Jersey residents can expect to have experienced 60-mph gusts, 2-4 inches of heavy wet snow and many power outages, according to the National Weather Service.

But the worst impact may come along the Sandy-damaged coastal areas which could experience major flooding around the time of the early morning high tide on March 7, the Weather Service said.

That’s because a low pressure system will move off the Virginia coast and crawl out to sea during the next 24-48 hours, punishing the region with a prolonged period of onshore wind flow.

Winds will increase in speed later this afternoon to 35-45 mph, the Weather Service said. Winds will remain strong during the overnight hours.

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, about 3,000 Atlantic City Electric were without power. In Cumberland County, 2,300 customers were without service.