Nor’easter Intensifies on U.S. East Coast
A strong nor’easter continued to impact the U.S. East Coast on Sunday, following its earlier arrival over the weekend. The storm has brought heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves to several states along its path.
Residents in coastal areas of New York and New Jersey faced severe flooding, with many seen paddling through their waterlogged neighborhoods using kayaks and canoes. Flood warnings remained active for extensive stretches of the coastline. Meteorologists warned that communities might still experience the worst effects.
Ted Friedli was spotted navigating floodwaters in Long Branch, New Jersey, using a kayak during the nor’easter on September 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
The storm has caused at least one fatality in Brooklyn, New York. Leighton Brown, a 56-year-old New York City Housing Department employee, was killed by a falling tree. New York State Police are searching for another missing person who disappeared while swimming at a Fire Island beach on Saturday afternoon.
Power outages affected tens of thousands across the Northeast, with over 40,000 in New York and around 30,000 in Connecticut without electricity, as reported by PowerOutage.us.
Forecasted Landfall
The storm, which had been moving slowly along the northeastern coastline over the Atlantic Ocean, was predicted to turn inland and move directly over New Jersey on Sunday. In response, both New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared states of emergency for regions expected to experience the most severe impacts.
The National Weather Service forecasted additional rainfall in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states through Monday night, which could lead to further flooding. Rough surf and rip currents were expected to threaten beachgoers from the Carolinas to New York. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph might affect New Jersey to Long Island.
Wind and rain from the nor’easter could potentially down more power lines and trees. Excessive rainfall might lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in urban areas, roads, small streams, and canyons.
The weather service advised residents along the eastern seaboard to prepare for significant coastal damage as the nor’easter approached on Friday. An advisory mentioned the possibility of repeated rounds of flooding throughout the weekend and during high tide cycles.
Between Friday and Saturday, various incidents of flooding and damaging winds were reported from North Carolina to New York. Wind gusts up to 75 mph resembling a low-grade hurricane were reported in Surf City, New Jersey, and Astoria, Pennsylvania.