Nor’easter Hits Mid-Atlantic and New England, Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii

East Coast Faces Early Nor’easter

A powerful nor’easter began impacting the East Coast early Saturday, leaving thousands without electricity and causing widespread flight cancellations. High winds swept through the region, affecting millions from the mid-Atlantic to Maine.

The National Weather Service warned of coastal flooding, heavy rain, and fierce winds due to this rare September nor’easter. As of late Saturday morning, nearly 100,000 people in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts faced power outages. The storm is predicted to strengthen and move slowly north, according to meteorologists.

Severe Impact on New Jersey and New York

Coastal areas in New Jersey reported rough surf and significant flooding early Saturday. Manasquan, New Jersey’s mayor, Michael Mangan, declared a state of emergency, urging residents to secure water and food supplies due to possible road closures from flooding tides.

States of emergency were also declared in parts of New York, including New York City. Social media videos showed flooded streets in New Jersey and large waves hitting the shore. Some people in New York City took to kayaking in the inundated streets.

Meteorologist Francis Tarasiewicz from the National Weather Service in Boston highlighted the unusual timing and duration of this nor’easter, noting that it began outside the typical October to May season. He reported wind gusts along the coast could reach 60 mph and anticipated winds above 35 to 40 mph to last about 48 hours.

Widespread Cancellations and Disruptions

The storm prompted the cancellation of hundreds of flights and caused delays for thousands more, according to FlightAware. Ferries in Cape Cod and Rhode Island faced disruptions, and several Amtrak routes were canceled due to adverse weather and downed wires.

Many weekend events were canceled, including Maryland’s largest music festival, Oceans Calling. The Red Sox postponed their games against the Chicago Cubs, and Ed Sheeran canceled his scheduled performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Continued Risks and Pacific Concerns

The strong winds posed an additional threat to full, leafy trees, likely increasing power outages across southern Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts. The nor’easter is expected to shift toward Cape Cod by Monday night and could subside by Wednesday night.

As the East Coast grapples with this storm, Hawaii is under a hurricane watch with Hurricane Polo approaching the Baja California peninsula. These storms are linked to the super El Niño climate pattern impacting the environment this year.