'Significant' early-season nor'easter batters US east coast with flooding and gales
An intensifying early-season nor'easter is bringing coastal flooding, gale-force winds and up to five inches of rain to the US east coast, with more than 40 million people in its path and a New York City travel advisory in force.
A “significant” early-season nor’easter is battering the US east coast with coastal flooding, high winds and heavy rain, forecasters say, with more than 40 million people in the storm’s path through the weekend.
The storm, which strengthened offshore on Friday, is lashing New England and the Mid-Atlantic. The National Weather Service says the greatest impacts are expected from Friday night through Saturday, with wind gusts of up to 60 mph near Boston and 50 mph in the New York City area — strong enough to topple trees and knock out power.
Coastal flooding is already hitting shoreline communities, including parts of Long Island, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia, where the NWS warned of two to three feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas. A coastal flood warning is in effect for New York City, southern Westchester County and Long Island from 6pm Friday to 6pm Sunday, with up to 3 feet of inundation possible in vulnerable waterfront areas. Breaking waves of 5 to 12 feet and a high risk of rip currents are expected along Atlantic-facing beaches through Saturday.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a travel advisory for the city starting Friday afternoon, warning of possible coastal flooding in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and near the Battery. “While this storm is expected to pass offshore and keep the heaviest rain east of New York City, New Yorkers should still prepare for gusty winds, rain and coastal flooding this weekend,” he said in a press release.
“It’s a significant September nor’easter,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynkowski. “It’s enough to cause concerns about power outages.” He urged residents to prepare: “Have a flashlight ready and have your phone charged in case your power goes out for 12 or 18 hours.”
Tides are running higher ahead of Saturday’s full moon, worsening flooding along the shore. Rain is expected to continue through Sunday before gradually tapering off early next week.
Sources
- CNN: Intensifying nor’easter pushes closer to Northeast, bringing strong wind, rain and more coastal flooding (by Mary Gilbert, Chris Dolce and Dakota Smith)
- The Guardian: ‘Significant’ nor’easter brings high winds and heavy rain to US east coast
- New York Post: Nor’easter will slam parts of NYC-area with coastal flooding and wild winds this weekend
- lohud: Coastal flood warnings issued for NYC, Long Island as nor’easter approaches
More on this topic: all World stories
