Photo credit: CNN (Instagram)
A powerful nor’easter is battering the U.S. East Coast with fierce winds, heavy rain and dangerous coastal flooding as the storm continues into Saturday evening.
More than 40 million people are in the storm’s path as the rare September system moves along the coast. New Jersey and New York have declared states of emergency in response to the worsening conditions.
The storm has already caused flooding, power outages, rough surf and travel disruptions across parts of the Northeast. Forecasters expect the storm to continue affecting coastal communities through the weekend.
Nor’easter brings fierce winds and heavy rain
A nor’easter gets its name from the strong winds that blow from the northeast around the storm’s circulation.
This system is moving slowly, which can extend its impact along the East Coast. CNN meteorologists have warned that the storm could produce prolonged periods of strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding.
The National Weather Service has also warned of dangerous marine conditions, high surf and strong winds near the New Jersey coast. Marine forecasts near Atlantic City called for wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.
Atlantic City faces major flooding threat
Atlantic City, New Jersey, remains one of the areas closely watching the storm.
Coastal flooding becomes especially dangerous around high tide because strong northeasterly winds can push ocean water toward the shoreline. The full moon can also contribute to higher astronomical tides, increasing the flooding risk.
CNN reported that Atlantic City was preparing for another round of flooding as the evening high tide approached. Earlier reports identified 8 p.m. ET as a key high-tide period for the city.
Officials have urged residents to avoid driving through flooded roads. Floodwater can hide dangerous conditions and quickly become hazardous for vehicles.
New Jersey coast sees rising water and power outages
The Jersey Shore has already experienced significant impacts from the storm.
Massive waves and rough surf have flooded some streets, while thousands of residents have lost power. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that nearly 28,000 New Jersey outages were recorded Saturday morning across the state’s four major energy companies.
Other coastal communities have also reported flooding and beach erosion as powerful waves continue hitting the shoreline.
The National Weather Service expects strong winds and rough seas to continue along the New Jersey coast into Sunday.
Storm threatens millions across the Northeast
The storm’s effects extend well beyond New Jersey.
New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and other parts of the Northeast are also dealing with strong winds, rain and coastal flooding. Some areas could experience several rounds of high tides while the storm remains near the coast.
In Massachusetts, CNN reported concerns about prolonged coastal flooding as persistent northeasterly winds push water toward the shoreline.
The storm also threatens trees and power lines because of the combination of strong winds and saturated ground. As a result, additional outages could occur while the system continues moving north.
Residents urged to monitor conditions
Officials continue to urge people in affected communities to monitor local weather alerts and emergency instructions.
Residents near the coast should take particular care around flooded roads, beaches and waterfront areas. Dangerous surf and rapidly rising water can create life-threatening conditions.
The nor’easter is expected to remain a major weather threat through the weekend as strong winds, rain and coastal flooding continue across parts of the East Coast.
View this post on Instagram
About the Author
