Major Nor’easter Causes Emergency Declarations and Event Cancellations in the Northeast

A powerful nor’easter has prompted a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, as it brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding to the region.

Officials announced that the storm led to the cancellation of the 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City to ensure safety, with plans to host it again in 2026. Flooded streets and damaged infrastructure were reported, especially in Long Island’s Freeport area.

The storm initially impacted southeastern states, particularly South Carolina, which experienced over 10 inches of rain, and several regions along the coast from North Carolina to New Jersey faced Tropical storm-force gusts. In North Carolina, wind speeds reached up to 62 mph, causing waves and coastal flooding that threaten the collapse of some homes in Buxton and Rodanthe, which had already lost several homes earlier this month.

In response, Delaware activated its National Guard to assist with storm relief efforts, and evacuation orders were issued for Bowers Beach due to the risk of flooding. Shelters are being prepared across Kent and Sussex counties, as officials warn of ongoing impacts such as power outages and tree damage.

As of Monday morning, nearly 40,000 power outages were reported across four states, mainly in Connecticut and New Jersey. Road closures on Highway 12, especially on Hatteras Island, have been necessary due to floodwaters and storm damage.

Continued Impact Into Tuesday

The storm’s effects are expected to persist into Tuesday, affecting communities along the Atlantic coast from Atlantic City to Boston, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding. Inland areas such as Hartford and Albany are also experiencing heavy rainfall.

While conditions are gradually improving, coastal flooding is projected to peak early Monday as winds shift, offering some relief along the shoreline later in the day. Nonetheless, residents along the East Coast are advised to stay alert and heed local authority directives as the storm system moves away.