Nor’easter Hits U.S. Northeast, Power Outages and Flooding Expected

Over 70,000 people lost power in the U.S. Northeast on Saturday due to a strong nor’easter. This storm was expected to bring dangerous conditions throughout the weekend. Weather forecasters warned about strong winds that could topple trees and heavy rains that might flood roads. Millions of people were in the storm’s path, which had begun to impact the region with winds and rain.

Significant flooding was anticipated along the Mid-Atlantic coast, particularly in New Jersey and Delaware. The National Weather Service issued an alert for major coastal flooding, advising individuals in low-lying areas near the shore to prepare for significant inundation.

“This storm is expected to bring major coastal flooding to the Mid-Atlantic Coast over multiple high tide cycles through the weekend,” the weather service stated. “Prepare immediately for significant inundation in low-lying areas near the shore, including roads underwater and impacts to homes and businesses.”

In Surf City, New Jersey, streets were waterlogged, and some homes were submerged. Mayor Mike Mangan of Manasquan, 34 miles up the coast, warned residents of prolonged street flooding and had previously issued a voluntary evacuation for low-lying areas. Many regional events such as concerts were canceled, and dozens of flights were disrupted at airports in Boston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard on Friday and Saturday.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged people to exercise caution, emphasizing that coastal flooding posed the most significant threat. She noted that while initial rainfall was slight, much heavier precipitation was expected. Winds of up to 50 mph and 6-foot flooding were possible in Sea Bright, New Jersey, according to Mayor Brian Kelly. He predicted the situation might be reminiscent of the 2011 Hurricane Irene event, encouraging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate. For those in need, the town’s recreation center would serve as a shelter.

In coastal New England, wind gusts were expected to reach 60 to 65 mph, particularly around Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Winds of 50 to 55 mph were forecasted around Boston. Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the NWS in Massachusetts, highlighted the risk of downed trees due to leaves remaining on branches, which could lead to power outages.

New Jersey and Delaware coasts could face winds near 60 mph, while southeastern Connecticut and eastern Long Island might also see strong gusts. Air travel faced disruptions, with Boston Logan International Airport experiencing numerous cancellations and delays. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox rescheduled a game due to the weather, and Ed Sheeran’s concerts at Gillette Stadium were canceled.

Ferry services between Cape Cod and the islands encountered widespread cancellations. In Rhode Island, ferries to Block Island were also affected. Sean Driscoll of the Steamship Authority acknowledged the disruptions but noted that residents have contingency plans for such events.

Ashley Destino from Gloucester, Massachusetts, opted for a beach visit with her children ahead of the storm. Preparing for expected power outages, her family secured their boat and readied a generator.

Report contributions came from Willingham in Boston, Michael Casey in Boston, Rodrique Ngowi in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Anthony Izaguirre in New York.

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