Man killed by falling tree in Brooklyn as powerful nor'easter batters US Northeast

The storm has brought strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and high surf across the Northeast.

A 56-year-old man was killed after a fallen tree struck him in Brooklyn on Saturday as a powerful early-season storm, known as a nor’easter, battered the US Northeast with heavy rain and strong winds. Emergency crews were called to Euclid Avenue between Dumont Avenue and Linden Boulevard shortly before 3:30 pm, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). First responders found the man suffering from severe trauma and took him to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities have not released his identity.

The storm has brought strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and high surf across the Northeast, affecting areas from North Carolina to New England. In New York City, winds reached up to 55 mph, while gusts of up to 60 mph remained possible through Sunday, according to city emergency officials.

The nor’easter also disrupted air travel, with hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands delayed across the region. Nearly 73,000 homes and businesses were without power at one point on Saturday, although the number had fallen from an earlier peak of about 119,000.

Officials have warned residents about dangerous flooding and high tides, urging them to stay away from beaches and flooded areas. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said anyone going near the water during the storm was “literally gambling with their life”.

The storm also forced the cancellation of concerts and sporting events, including scheduled shows by singer Ed Sheeran in Massachusetts. The National Weather Service said the storm could continue to bring strong winds, heavy rain and high tides into early next week. Coastal flooding is expected to remain a concern during high tides, with some areas forecast to see water levels several feet above normal.

The governors of New York and New Jersey had declared states of emergency in areas expected to be hit hardest by the storm.