Millions in the Northeast, including New York City and Boston, are enduring severe coastal flooding and adverse beach conditions. Strong winds and heavy rain accompany the nor’easter impacting the region this weekend, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS).
An unfortunate incident resulted in the death of a 56-year-old man in Brooklyn due to a falling tree on Saturday. Over 100,000 households in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New York are experiencing power outages, as noted by PowerOutage. The storm has caused the cancellation of several events like the Global Citizens Festival in Central Park and Ed Sheeran’s concert at Massachusetts’ Gillette Stadium. Air travel disruptions include more than 450 flight cancellations and 3,000 delays on Saturday.
Peak Weather Conditions
The NWS forecasts that conditions will intensify from Saturday into early Sunday. Although threats will persist with strong winds, rough surf, and coastal flooding till Monday, intermittent rain showers will continue.
Impact Areas
The storm’s effects span the entire Northeastern region, with significant impacts expected in the New York City metro area and New Jersey. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that the fiercest winds and substantial coastal flooding will likely affect areas near the waterfront and shorelines of New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island.
New York and New Jersey both declared states of emergency by Friday afternoon. Gov. Kathy Hochul put New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties under a state of emergency and issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Long Island, New York City, and the lower Mid-Hudson.
Severe flooding is anticipated along the south shore of Long Island and parts of the lower New York Harbor. Coastal areas of the Bronx, Westchester, and northern Nassau County along Long Island Sound may also experience flooding. In New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for eight counties likely to face intense impacts, including Atlantic, Burlington, and Monmouth.
Duration of the Storm
According to the latest NWS updates, high tide cycles through Sunday afternoon could result in moderate to significant coastal flooding for most local shorelines. The worst is projected to strike the southern and eastern bays of Long Island. An additional two to four inches of rain is expected across New York City, Long Island, and southern Connecticut, while 1.5 to 3 inches may fall elsewhere.
Forecasters anticipate widespread minor urban and small stream flooding, with isolated flash flooding through Sunday night. The nor’easter is predicted to weaken on Sunday, but effects will linger with gusty winds and more flooding into Monday. “Storm won’t leave region until Monday night,” stated John Davitt, chief meteorologist for Spectrum News NY1.
Precautions and Safety Measures
Governors Sherrill and Hochul are urging residents to heed warnings and take precautions. Sherrill emphasized the importance of safety by encouraging residents to secure items, charge phones, stock supplies, and avoid roads if possible.
I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously. Stay safe, be prepared, and stay off the roads if possible.
NOAA advises residents in storm-affected areas to ensure they have adequate food, water, medications, and other essentials for the storm duration and aftermath.