A powerful storm moving slowly along the northeast U.S. coast caused high winds, resulting in power outages for tens of thousands and creating hazardous conditions with heavy rains and large waves in some areas on Saturday. The nor’easter was expected to impact the mid-Atlantic region and New England over the weekend, affecting around 100,000 customers without electricity. The National Weather Service forecaster, Bob Oravec, warned of continued high winds, tides, and heavy rain in the coming days in the northeastern U.S.
In Surf City, New Jersey, streets were flooded, and some homes were inundated with water. Kenny Formica, owner of Surf City Marina, monitored rising water levels inside his marina through surveillance cameras, a rare occurrence for him since Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to his business in the past. As the storm approached, Formica and his team took precautions to secure the marina’s equipment and vehicles, but water levels continued to rise dangerously.
The impact of the storm extended beyond flooding, with reports of missing boats and vehicles being swept away by the strong winds. In Edgewater, New Jersey, the Hudson River overflowed into a parking lot, submerging vehicles and prompting people to move their cars to higher ground.
The storm disrupted travel and events, leading to flight cancellations at various airports and schedule changes for sporting events and concerts. The storm’s early arrival in the fall season raised concerns among state officials along the East Coast, prompting warnings about coastal flooding, heavy rains, and strong winds.
Governors like Matt Meyer of Delaware and Kathy Hochul of New York urged residents to stay informed and exercise caution as the storm continued to pose risks. Coastal flooding and towering waves were highlighted as significant threats, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of the ongoing weather challenges.