Nor'easter Brings Coastal Flooding and Power Outages
A powerful, slow-moving nor'easter is battering the northeastern US with severe coastal flooding, damaging winds, and heavy rain, prompting states of
Tens of millions of people from Virginia to Maine are in the path of a powerful nor'easter this weekend. The storm is unleashing dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, with impacts expected to last through Monday.
The nor'easter is peaking with heavy rain, damaging winds, and severe coastal flooding. The storm stalled off the coast of Long Island, New York, prolonging its impacts. Boston and coastal Massachusetts are likely to experience the worst overall impacts, including powerful wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph and street flooding. Across Long Island and the New York City corridor, northeast wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are driving heavy wave action. From the Outer Banks to New Jersey, waves remain extremely high at 15 to 18 feet, causing severe beach erosion and persistent inundation during high tides. Rain accumulation could exceed five inches along shoreline areas.
States of emergency declared as power outages and travel disruptions mount
New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared the emergency for eight counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. The State Emergency Operations Center was activated, coordinating response efforts among state and local agencies.
Widespread power outages are occurring. Nearly 150,000 households have lost electricity. Wind gusts up to 55 mph are expected to lead to more downed trees and power outages. Travel chaos is mounting. More than 1,100 flights have been delayed and another 400 have been grounded. Officials are urging residents to prepare by charging electronic devices, securing outdoor items, and avoiding unnecessary travel. Mayor Zohran Mamdani told residents in a video message: "Don't travel if you don't have to. Do not drive or walk through floodwater."
Coastal communities brace for flooding and erosion amid high tides
Coastal flooding and beach erosion are worsening due to the storm's stall and a full moon, with evacuations urged in low-lying areas. Streets and homes were flooded on Saturday in the coastal New Jersey communities of Surf City and Manasquan. The US National Weather Service warned residents to prepare immediately for significant inundation near the shore, with roads underwater and impacts to homes and businesses.
In Ocean City, waves have been pounding the shore and washing away sand. In Sea Bright, officials anticipate significant flooding in low-lying areas and have encouraged residents to relocate to higher ground. Business owners along Ocean Avenue took advantage of a free sandbag giveaway. Officials in Manasquan issued a voluntary evacuation for residents in non-elevated structures in flood-prone areas, advising that Main Street, Brielle Road, and Ocean Avenue will likely be impassable for several hours. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected to continue.
Event cancellations and public warnings show storm severity
Major events have been cancelled as officials urge residents to avoid travel. Ed Sheeran's concert at Gillette Stadium in the Boston area was cancelled for safety reasons. In Boston, the Red Sox moved their Sunday game against the Chicago Cubs to next Friday. A professional football match between Red Bull New York and St Louis City SC was cancelled. The Global Citizen Festival concert in New York City's Central Park, headlined by Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and John Legend, was also called off.
Governor Mikie Sherrill urged New Jerseyans to take the storm seriously, stay alert, and follow local guidance. State officials are monitoring conditions and positioning resources to respond to emergencies. Rain is not expected to taper off in earnest until Monday.
