A weather disturbance that began as a minor system off the Southeast coast has rapidly intensified into one of the most impactful storms to hit the East Coast in recent years.
Weather experts had been predicting the development of a strong system over the Atlantic, threatening the coast with heavy precipitation and fierce winds. Over the weekend, these predictions materialized with severe consequences, marking this as more than just a passing storm.
The intense Nor’easter has already caused significant flooding, disrupted travel, and led to power outages across several states along the US East Coast.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to stay indoors as authorities prepare for further challenges posed by strong winds, rising sea levels, and heavy rainfall along the shore.
However, certain states are experiencing the brunt of the storm’s impact, prompting an escalated emergency response.
New Jersey is one of the states most affected, with a statewide emergency declared to prepare for severe coastal flooding and high winds, impacting a population of nine million.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way issued a statement urging residents: “I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”
The state’s coastal regions have been particularly hard-hit, with water levels rising in areas like Avalon Bay and wind gusts reaching over 60 mph.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an emergency across New York City and nearby counties, resulting in the cancellation of the highly anticipated Columbus Day Parade.
As reported by FOX 5 NY, parade organizers stated: “Due to the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency this evening in response to the dangerous weather conditions brought on by the Nor’easter, including high winds, heavy rain and flooding in surrounding areas, we must cancel the 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade.”
The MTA has deployed ‘pump trains’ throughout the subway system to manage rising water levels, and air travelers at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark are experiencing delays exceeding two hours (as mentioned by The New York Post).
Farther south, Delaware has mobilized its National Guard following evacuation orders in places like Bowers Beach. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, floodwaters have inundated Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Boulevard amid fierce winds.
On X (formerly Twitter), local meteorologist Jamie Arnold noted: “Significant flooding developing along parts of Ocean Blvd.”
This is just the beginning, as the storm continues to affect various states along the East Coast:
Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski summed up the situation in speaking to Newsweek, citing ongoing concerns with ‘gusty winds, rough surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion’ expected to persist through early next week.
Although the Nor’easter is projected to weaken by Tuesday (October 14), the recovery and cleanup efforts will extend well beyond that timeframe.