Nor’easter Strikes Mid-Atlantic and New England; Threatens Power and Transportation

Early Saturday, a potent nor’easter began impacting the East Coast, causing widespread disruptions. Power outages affected nearly 100,000 people across states like New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Hundreds of flights faced cancellations, and high winds swept through the region, impacting millions from the mid-Atlantic to Maine.

The National Weather Service warned of coastal flooding, heavy rains, and strong winds this weekend. The nor’easter, unusual for September, was anticipated to grow stronger and slowly progress north throughout the day. Coastal New Jersey experienced severe surf and flooding as early as Saturday morning.

Michael Mangan, Manasquan’s mayor in New Jersey, declared a state of emergency on Friday. He advised residents to prepare with essential supplies, cautioning that coastal roads might become impassable due to surging tides.

States of emergency were also proclaimed in New Jersey and New York, including New York City. Videos on social media captured inundated streets in New Jersey and immense waves hitting the coast. New York City residents were seen kayaking in the streets.

Francis Tarasiewicz, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Boston, noted that coastal wind gusts might reach 60 mph. Unlike the typical nor’easter season from October to May, this storm not only arrived early but was set to persist longer.

Typically, nor’easters impact the region over a single day with strong winds and heavy precipitation. However, Tarasiewicz explained, “this storm will last approximately 48 hours with winds exceeding 35 to 40 mph.” The strain on full, leafy trees due to strong winds could worsen power outages. Areas such as southern Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts, and the Cape and Islands were at high risk.

Flight interruptions were significant, with hundreds canceled and thousands delayed, based on FlightAware data. Ferry operations in Cape Cod and Rhode Island were disrupted, and Amtrak canceled several trains due to adverse weather and downed wires.

The storm led to many event cancellations over the weekend. Maryland’s largest music festival, Oceans Calling, was called off, the Red Sox postponed their games against the Chicago Cubs, and Ed Sheeran’s concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., was also canceled. Forecasts indicate the storm will advance northeast across Cape Cod from Monday night into Tuesday, easing by Wednesday night.

Nor’easters, named for the northeast wind direction they bring, typically occur during fall and winter. Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo in the Pacific threatens Hawaii with a hurricane watch and approaches the Baja California peninsula. This climate activity is part of the super El Niño pattern influencing the environment this year.