More than 70,000 customers lost electricity in the U.S. Northeast on Saturday due to a nor’easter causing dangerous conditions. The storm is expected to continue impacting the region over the weekend.
Severe Weather Warning
Forecasters have issued warnings for gale-force winds and heavy rain. These conditions could lead to trees falling and roads flooding. Millions of people are in the storm’s path, facing strong winds and rain. The National Weather Service has highlighted the risk of significant flooding, especially near New Jersey and Delaware.
This storm is expected to bring major coastal flooding to the Mid-Atlantic Coast over multiple high tide cycles through the weekend. Prepare immediately for significant inundation in low-lying areas near the shore, including roads underwater and impacts to homes and businesses.
Coastal Impact and Evacuations
In Surf City, New Jersey, streets flooded, affecting some homes. Nearby in Manasquan, further flooding occurs, prompting voluntary evacuations in low-lying areas. Concerts and flights were canceled on Friday and Saturday, including flights to Boston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. Airlines offered fee waivers for changes or cancellations on East Coast flights.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul advised residents to be cautious, noting that coastal flooding poses the biggest threat. She warned of heavy rains, strong winds, and high waves, highlighting that more rain is anticipated.
New Jersey Prepares for Flooding
In Sea Bright, New Jersey, Mayor Brian Kelly anticipates wind speeds up to 50 mph and flooding as high as 6 feet on certain streets. Officials expect worsening conditions by midday Saturday, likening the situation to flooding from Hurricane Irene in 2011. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to evacuate, with the recreation center available for shelter.
New England Faces Damaging Winds
Meteorologist Matthew Belk reported potential peak wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. In Boston, gusts might reach 50 to 55 mph. Inland areas could face winds of 35 to 40 mph.
Belk noted that with leaves still on trees early in the season, increased wind resistance may result in more downed tree limbs, leading to power outages.
Impact on Transportation and Events
The storm disrupted air travel, particularly in Boston, where FlightAware reported 39 flight cancellations at Boston Logan International Airport. Delays also affected flights at New York’s JFK Airport. The Red Sox altered their schedule with a doubleheader on Friday to avoid weather disruptions over the weekend.
Ed Sheeran canceled his concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, due to the storm. Ferry services between Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard experienced cancellations, likely affecting Saturday service too.
Ashley Destino of Gloucester, Massachusetts, prepared to ride out the storm at home with her children, securing a boat and getting a generator ready for potential power outages.
Writers Michael Casey, Rodrique Ngowi, and Anthony Izaguirre contributed to this report.
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