New Jersey Floods and Power Outages as Nor'easter Hits East Coast
A nor'easter slammed the East Coast, leaving thousands without power and flooding roads in New Jersey. The storm triggered mass evacuations, flight and ferry cancellations, and raised concerns about dangerous flooding and high winds along the Mid‑Atlantic and New England coasts.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A powerful nor'easter struck the U.S. East Coast on Friday night, leaving thousands of residents in New Jersey without electricity and flooding roads in several coastal communities. The storm, which has been tracked by the National Weather Service (NWS) as it moves toward the Mid‑Atlantic, is expected to bring dangerous conditions through the weekend, including high winds, heavy rain, and significant flooding along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts.
Power Outages and Flooding in New Jersey
In the coastal borough of Manasquan, rising water inundated streets as the sky darkened. A voluntary evacuation had already been issued for low‑lying areas, and Mayor Mike Mangan warned residents that water would linger for an extended period. In nearby Sea Bright, Mayor Brian Kelly urged people in vulnerable zones to consider evacuating, citing the possibility of up to six feet of water on some streets. Kelly compared the expected flooding to the 2011 Hurricane Irene event, describing the situation as “closer to an Irene‑scale flooding event.”
Utility crews from Con Edison were already on the ground, setting up a staging area in Rye, New York, to respond to outages. Power disruptions have already forced the cancellation of concerts and dozens of flights at Boston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard airports. Airlines are offering to waive change or cancellation fees for affected East Coast flights through the weekend.
Wind Threats Across New England
According to meteorologist Matthew Belk of the NWS in Norton, Massachusetts, peak wind gusts could reach 60 to 65 mph on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, while Boston and inland areas could see 50 to 55 mph and 35 to 40 mph respectively. Belk noted that early‑season storms can be more destructive because leaves still cling to trees, increasing wind resistance and the likelihood of downed limbs. This, in turn, can cause power outages and debris in roads.
In Long Beach Boulevard, drivers were advised to stay in the middle lanes as water rose on side streets. The storm’s impact on infrastructure is already evident, with ferry services to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Block Island experiencing widespread cancellations due to strong winds and choppy water.
Impact on Transportation and Events
More than 200 flights were canceled at Boston, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and New York airports on Friday, with additional cancellations scheduled for Saturday. The Boston Red Sox adjusted their weekend series against the Chicago Cubs, moving a Sunday afternoon game to Friday to create a split doubleheader. Ed Sheeran’s high‑profile shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough were also canceled.
Ferry operators, such as the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, have urged passengers to have backup plans. “It’s a nuisance, but you know, we know what to do with this kind of stuff at this point,” said spokesperson Sean Driscoll, emphasizing that cancellations are a normal part of life for regular island commuters.
What Residents Are Doing to Prepare
Families in coastal Massachusetts are taking precautions. Ashley Destino of Gloucester, a coastal city in northern Massachusetts, spent Friday afternoon at the beach with her two young children before heading home to secure her boat and set up a generator. She also prepared arts and crafts activities to keep her children entertained during the storm.
Across the region, residents are stocking up on supplies, securing outdoor furniture, and ensuring that backup power sources are ready. Local officials are monitoring conditions closely and will issue further advisories as the storm evolves.
Looking Ahead
Weather experts predict that the nor'easter will intensify over the weekend, potentially bringing more severe flooding and wind damage. Residents in low‑lying areas are urged to heed evacuation orders and stay informed through local news and the NWS. As the storm moves inland, the focus will shift to mitigating damage and restoring power and transportation services.
For now, the priority remains safety: staying indoors, avoiding flooded roads, and keeping abreast of official updates from emergency management agencies.
Key facts
- Thousands in New Jersey lost power and faced flooded roads.
- High winds up to 65 mph threaten New England coastal communities.
- More than 200 flights and ferry services were canceled.
- Residents are taking precautions, including securing boats and setting up generators.
- Officials urge evacuations in low‑lying areas and monitor conditions closely.
Why it matters
The storm’s impact on power, transportation, and coastal infrastructure highlights the growing risk of extreme weather events along the East Coast, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nor'easter?
A nor'easter is a powerful storm that typically forms along the East Coast, bringing strong winds, heavy rain or snow, and coastal flooding.
How can I stay safe during a nor'easter?
Stay indoors, avoid flooded roads, secure outdoor items, have a backup power source, and follow official evacuation orders.
Will the storm affect the rest of the East Coast?
Yes, the storm is expected to impact the Mid‑Atlantic and New England regions, with potential flooding and wind damage.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Thousands without power, roads flood in New Jersey as first major signs of nor’easter take shape”
