A powerful nor’easter, continuing its relentless assault across the U.S. East Coast, began Sunday, following its arrival earlier in the weekend and delivering a severe combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves to multiple states. Initial reports indicated a fierce storm surge, triggered by the arrival of the storm offshore, impacted coastal areas of New York and New Jersey, resulting in widespread flooding that threatened residents.
In coastal sections of New York and New Jersey, the storm’s intensity caused at least one death, with 56-year-old New York City Housing Department employee Leighton Brown fatally struck by a falling tree. New York State Police are actively searching for another missing person, who disappeared Saturday afternoon while swimming at a Fire Island beach. Tens of thousands across the Northeast remained without power Sunday morning, with over 40,000 in New York and around 30,000 in Connecticut experiencing disruptions.
The storm’s progress was further complicated by meteorologists predicting the worst impacts to occur on Sunday when the storm, initially crawling along the northeastern coastline, turns inward and travels directly over New Jersey. Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill have declared states of emergency for several regions, including Brooklyn, New York, and Connecticut, due to the potential for significant damage.
National Weather Service forecasts indicate that the nor’easter is expected to dump more rain on mid-Atlantic and northeastern states through Monday night, potentially exacerbating flooding. Rough surf, including rip currents, is anticipated along the coast, particularly in the Carolinas, while wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph are forecast across the tristate area, including New Jersey to Long Island.
Furthermore, the weather service emphasized that excessive rainfall could cause localized flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and narrow canyons facing the greatest risk of inundation. The agency urged residents to prepare for major coastal damage as the storm moved into the region on Friday, advising that “repeated rounds of flooding” were expected throughout the weekend, especially around high tide. The weather service also stressed the need to brace for significant inundation in low-lying areas near the shore, including roads under water and impacts to homes and businesses.
The weather service reported that dozens of river, creek, stream, and coastal flooding incidents, as well as damaging wind incidents, were reported from North Carolina to New York between Friday and Saturday. As of Saturday, the strongest wind gusts were recorded in Surf City, New Jersey, and Astoria, Pennsylvania, where they approached 75 mph, mirroring those of a low-grade hurricane.
This event underscores the significant risks posed by the nor’easter and highlights the need for preparedness for potential coastal damage, with the National Weather Service continuing to monitor conditions and issue updates as the storm continues its westward journey.
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Source: CBS News
