Nor'easter floods Northeast, declares emergencies

Storm brings severe flooding and emergency declarations

A powerful nor'easter has battered the northeastern United States, bringing dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. States of emergency have been declared in New York and New Jersey as the storm threatens millions of residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of significant inundation in low-lying areas near the shore, with roads underwater and impacts to homes and businesses.

The storm has caused widespread power outages, with over 100,000 households losing electricity across the region. In New York City, a 56-year-old man was killed by a falling tree, according to the New York City Police Department. The victim was identified as Leighton Brown, an employee of the New York City Housing Authority.

Coastal communities in New Jersey, such as Surf City and Manasquan, have been inundated with floodwater. In Long Island, New York, some residents have been forced to kayak through flooded streets. The storm has also led to beach erosion and flooding in coastal areas of Massachusetts and Virginia.

Travel and events disrupted by the storm

The nor'easter has caused significant travel disruptions, with more than 2,400 flights delayed and 1,199 grounded, according to FlightAware. The Federal Aviation Administration has recommended that air passengers check with their airlines about their flight status. Hundreds of flights have also been canceled at Boston Logan International Airport.

Major events have been canceled due to the storm. The Global Citizen Festival in New York City's Central Park, which was to be headlined by Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and John Legend, will not go ahead. Ed Sheeran's concerts at Gillette Stadium in the Boston area have also been canceled for safety reasons. The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs have rescheduled their final game of the series to Sunday afternoon in Florida.

The storm has also forced the cancellation of the Ironman triathlon in New York and the three-day Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland. In North Carolina, a highway closure on Hatteras Island has stranded guests at a wedding, forcing organizers to find a new venue.

Forecast and ongoing impacts

The nor'easter is expected to intensify and make a sharp turn back toward the New Jersey coast Saturday night into Sunday. It may stall or meander nearby through Monday, prolonging the rain, wind, and coastal impacts before finally departing on Tuesday. The NWS has warned of wind gusts of up to 55mph in New York and up to 60mph in New Jersey and Delaware.

The early timing of the nor'easter in the season could lead to even more damaging effects. Because trees are still fully leafed, they will have more wind resistance, which could increase the risk of downed limbs and power outages. Strong winds could also push ocean waves over seawalls, creating flooding and beach erosion.

The storm has already caused significant damage to properties. In Surf City, New Jersey, a marina owner reported that his business was flooded, with boats and Jet Skis blown off their lifts. In Scituate, Massachusetts, homeowners have reported that waves are hitting their homes due to seawalls that are in the middle of repair projects or have seen those projects stall due to federal funding cuts.

Sources and context

bbc.co.uk — Nor'easter brings flooding as New York and New Jersey declare emergency

cbsnews.com — At least 1 dead as Nor'easter causes flooding, power outages in NYC, Long Island, New Jersey