Severe Weather Impacts Northeast as Nor’easter Hits
A nor’easter moved up the East Coast on Sunday, leading to flooded roads and numerous flight delays, while communities in the Northeast prepared for heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding.
Bob Oravec, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, noted that the primary threat is coastal flooding, especially from northeastern North Carolina extending to a large portion of the New Jersey coastline.
Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in southeastern New England and around New York City, along with other coastal areas, Oravec added.
In the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where significant storm damage has been reported this season, water began rushing onto Highway 12 near Buxton, prompting the Dare County Sheriff’s Office to caution travelers and property owners as high tide approaches.
Moreover, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, faced challenges as heavy rains overwhelmed the city’s stormwater system, resulting in multiple road closures.
Officials from Myrtle Beach urged residents to prioritize safety and, if at all possible, to stay home.
New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since Saturday night, a situation expected to continue into Monday, enabling emergency services to be mobilized if necessary. On Long Island, a state of emergency was also declared by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, as high waves threatened to inundate bays and waterways.
The region could see moderate to severe coastal flooding, inland flash floods, wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph (about 97 kph), and rainfall totals up to 5 inches, which pose risks of coastal erosion. Some volunteers are already filling sandbags in preparation.
The National Weather Service issued coastal flood warnings and wind advisories for New York City, Long Island, and southern Westchester County through at least Monday afternoon. Forecasts suggest that strong winds and about 3 inches (approximately 8 centimeters) of rain could lead to flooding in coastal areas at the outskirts of Long Island.
Wind gusts exceeding 48 km/h were recorded early on Sunday.
Utility companies in the region deployed over 1,600 personnel to address storm-related issues.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of staying alert and prepared amid these conditions, citing high wind warnings and flooding risks for public safety.
Flight delays and cancellations were reported at airports from Washington, DC to Boston.
The storm is anticipated to dissipate by Monday night.
In Alaska, high wind warnings were still active as remnants of Typhoon Halong moved along the west coast. The storm’s trajectory has shifted eastwards, bringing stronger winds inland and lessening the chances of water levels in Norton Sound reaching unprecedented heights.
