Millions in the Northeast, including areas like New York City and Boston, are experiencing hazardous conditions due to a nor’easter this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of significant coastal flooding, high winds, and heavy rain. A 56-year-old man in Brooklyn was a victim of this storm, killed by a falling tree. Power outages have affected over 100,000 households across New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New York. Events such as the Global Citizens Festival in New York City’s Central Park and Ed Sheeran’s concert at Massachusetts’ Gillette Stadium have been canceled. Additionally, more than 450 flights were canceled, and 3,000 were delayed last Saturday.
Weather experts state that the storm’s peak occurred from Saturday to early Sunday. However, strong winds, rough surf, and coastal flooding will persist into Monday with occasional rain showers.
Most Affected Areas
The New York City metropolitan area and New Jersey brace for the storm’s most severe impacts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that intense wind gusts and widespread coastal flooding are expected near shorelines and waterfronts in New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island. Residents may experience the worst flooding during the daytime high tide on Saturday and Sunday. Flooding will also affect areas inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays.
By Friday afternoon, both New York and New Jersey had declared states of emergency. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul included New York City and counties such as Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk under a state of emergency and issued a Coastal Flood Warning for affected areas.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared an emergency for eight counties facing severe impacts, including Atlantic, Burlington, and Middlesex. The NWS forecasts showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain from the Southern Plains to the upper-Mississippi Valley.
Duration and Expected Conditions
According to the latest NWS update, high tide cycles through Sunday afternoon will likely result in moderate to severe coastal flooding along most local coastlines. The southern and eastern bays of Long Island should prepare for the worst. New York City, Long Island, and southern Connecticut may receive an additional two to four inches of rainfall, while other areas could see up to three inches.
Minor urban, poor drainage, and small stream flooding are probable through Sunday night. Sunday should see a gradual weakening of the nor’easter, but its effects will linger into Monday, with continued rain showers, high winds, and some coastal flooding. John’s Davitt, chief meteorologist for Spectrum News NY1, stated that the storm will persist until Monday night, with intervals of rain expected in New York City. According to the city’s NWS branch, damaging winds will be most powerful on Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Recommendations for Residents
New Jersey’s Sherrill and New York’s Hochul emphasize caution and seriousness regarding the weather conditions. Sherrill advises residents to stay safe, secure outdoor items, stock up on food and essentials, and avoid travel if possible. “Charge your phones, secure loose items, and plan ahead,” she stated, also advising against driving through flooded roads.
Hochul echoed these warnings, urging residents to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. NOAA advises people to ensure they have enough food, water, and medications for themselves, their families, and pets to endure the storm’s effects.
For further details, please contact Newsweek editors Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu.
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