Powerful nor'easter storm hits north-eastern US, causing flooding and power outages
States of emergency declared in New York and New Jersey as travel chaos and widespread power cuts affect millions
Quick Look
- A powerful nor'easter storm is causing coastal flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions across the north-eastern US.
- States of emergency are in effect in New York and New Jersey, with over 100,000 households losing power and thousands of flights impacted.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A nor'easter is a large-scale storm system affecting the north-eastern United States. The current event is exacerbated by a full moon, which increases tidal flooding risks.
Tens of millions of people across the north-eastern US are in the path of a powerful storm bringing coastal flooding, power cuts, travel chaos and cancelled stadium events.
The so-called nor'easter is bringing "dangerous coastal flooding and beach conditions, strong winds and heavy rainfall" to areas including New York City and Boston on Saturday, the US National Weather Service (NWS) said.
States of emergency have been declared in New York and New Jersey, both of which faced a coastal deluge in some areas. Rain and strong winds are forecast from Virginia to Maine.
In Brooklyn, a man was killed by a falling tree, the BBC's US partner CBS News reported.
The nor'easter has caused widespread power cuts. More than 100,000 households, nearly all in the northeast US, have lost electricity, according to tracker PowerOutage.
The Federal Aviation Administration recommended air passengers check with airlines about their flight status. More than 2,400 flights have been delayed and another 1,199 grounded, according to FlightAware.
Saturday's full moon is projected to worsen coastal flooding. Streets and homes were inundated with floodwater in the coastal New Jersey communities of Surf City and Manasquan on Saturday.
"I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay alert and follow local guidance," Governor Mikie Sherrill said.
Open Questions
- What is the total estimated economic damage from the storm?
- When will power be fully restored to affected households?
