Nor'easter Lashes New England with Heavy Rain and High Winds

Up to 40 million people across multiple states are affected by a significant nor'easter lashing coastal New England and Long Island. The storm, the first of the fall, brings high winds, heavy rain, and widespread disruption just as the weekend begins.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the New York City area and Long Island. The National Weather Service’s Boston office warned that strong winds and rough seas along with a prolonged period of steady rain across the region are expected through this weekend. Rain could last until Monday. The main concerns are beach erosion, coastal flooding, and wind damage leading to downed trees and power outages. More than 31 million people are under coastal flooding warnings or advisories.

Elizabeth Danco, an AccuWeather expert meteorologist, said the nor'easter has strengthened over the Atlantic and is expected to stay closer to the shoreline. This track brings more rain inland but stronger winds near the coast. She noted recent soaking rains have left the ground saturated, increasing the risk of falling trees and flooding. Winds are forecast to gust up to 60 mph, with pockets up to 80 mph possible around Montauk, New York. Large breaking waves could reach 9 feet.

Storm Impacts and Preparations

Travelers face significant flight cancellations, delays, and difficult driving conditions. A travel advisory is in effect for New York City through Sunday, with officials urging people to stay home. Rainfall totals will vary.

High wind warnings were in place in Boston and neighboring areas. In coastal communities like North Wildwood, New Jersey, residents prepared for the worst. Chris Jenkins, who lives four blocks from the ocean, said she always expects power outages during a nor'easter. Her backup power sources were charged, and she has a fireplace with logs ready. Waves were already crashing over seawalls in coastal New Jersey Friday afternoon. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall for parts of Southern New England.

Pacific Hurricane Activity Contrasts with Atlantic Quiet

While the Northeast faces the nor'easter, three hurricanes churn in the Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes Nolo, Odalys, and Polo are bringing varying impacts. Nolo is menacing Hawaii and is expected to pass about 80 miles south of the Big Island as a major Category 3 storm. Although not forecast to make landfall, it threatens five days of torrential rain, catastrophic flooding, and mudslides. Polo, which rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane earlier in the week, remained offshore of Mexico with 160 mph winds. It is forecast to curve and make landfall in Baja California much weakened. Odalys, a Category 4 hurricane, is forecast to remain at sea. This active Pacific season, with 18 named storms, contrasts sharply with a record-quiet Atlantic. For the first time since 1914, no hurricanes had formed in the Atlantic by September 21. A record-setting El Niño continues to amplify severe weather events globally.

Events Canceled and Travel Disrupted

Major concerts, festivals, and sports events across the Northeast are canceled or postponed. Global Citizen canceled its yearly festival in Central Park. The All Things Go music festival in Queens was canceled. The AC/DC concert at MetLife Stadium was pushed to October 2. Ed Sheeran canceled his shows scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The New York Yankees moved Saturday's game to Friday for a doubleheader. The Boston Red Sox moved Saturday's game to Sunday in Florida. Officials urge residents to stay home, avoid unnecessary travel, and make sure catch basins are clear.