Powerful nor’easter batters US Northeast with flooding, winds and power cuts

New York: More than 70,000 customers were without electricity in the US Northeast on Saturday as a powerful nor’easter brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region, with forecasters warning of dangerous coastal flooding and the possibility of widespread damage.

Tens of millions of people are in the storm's path as conditions are expected to worsen through the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of major coastal flooding along the Mid-Atlantic, particularly in parts of New Jersey and Delaware.

“This storm is expected to bring major coastal flooding to the Mid-Atlantic Coast over multiple high tide cycles through the weekend,” the NWS said. It warned of significant inundation in low-lying coastal areas, including roads being submerged and flooding affecting homes and businesses.

In Surf City, New Jersey, floodwater and waves spilled onto streets and into some homes. In nearby Manasquan, where several roads were also flooded, Mayor Mike Mangan said he expected water to remain on the streets for an extended period. Authorities had earlier issued a voluntary evacuation order for some low-lying areas.

Officials in Sea Bright were also preparing for severe conditions. Mayor Brian Kelly said the community could experience winds of up to 50 mph (80 kph), while some streets could see flooding of up to 6 feet (1.8 metres). He urged residents in vulnerable areas to consider evacuating, with the local recreation centre being opened for those seeking shelter.

The strongest winds were expected along the coast. NWS meteorologist Matthew Belk said gusts could reach 60 to 65 mph (97 to 105 kph) on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Gusts of around 50 to 55 mph (80 to 89 kph) were forecast around Boston, while inland areas could see winds of 35 to 40 mph (56 to 64 kph).

Winds of up to 60 mph (97 kph) were also forecast along the Atlantic coasts of New Jersey and Delaware. Southeastern Connecticut and eastern Long Island could experience similarly strong gusts, raising the risk of falling branches and power lines.

Belk said nor’easters are not uncommon in New England during autumn, but the timing of this storm could increase the risk of power outages because many trees still have their leaves. The foliage can create greater resistance to strong winds, making branches more vulnerable to breaking.

The storm has also disrupted travel and entertainment across the region. More than 200 flights to and from airports in Boston, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and New York were cancelled on Friday, with further cancellations reported for Saturday. Airlines were offering fee waivers on some East Coast flights.

Ferry services between Cape Cod and Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard were also widely disrupted because of strong winds and rough seas. Services to Block Island in Rhode Island were cancelled as well, with further disruption expected.

Several major events were affected. The Boston Red Sox changed their weekend schedule, moving Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs to Friday to create a split doubleheader. Singer Ed Sheeran also cancelled his Friday and Saturday performances at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, because of the storm.

Residents in coastal communities were preparing for the weekend by securing boats, arranging generators and stocking up on activities for children as they prepared to stay indoors.

Ashley Destino of Gloucester, Massachusetts, took her two children to the beach on Friday before the weather deteriorated. She said the family was preparing to remain at home throughout the weekend.

“We came to the beach on Friday afternoon because we knew we were going to be inside all weekend,” Destino said.

She had also secured her boat with additional lines, while her husband prepared a generator in case of a power outage.

What is a nor’easter?

A nor’easter is a powerful storm that typically affects the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, particularly areas along the Atlantic coast. The term refers to the strong northeasterly winds that often accompany the storm as it moves along the coast. Nor’easters can bring heavy rain or snow, strong winds, coastal flooding and storm surges, while also causing fallen trees, power outages and major disruptions to flights and other transport services. They are most common from autumn through early spring.

What happens during a nor’easter?

• Heavy rain or snow

• Very strong winds

• Coastal flooding and storm surges

• Fallen trees and power lines

• Flight and transport disruptions

• Power outages