Nor'easter Causes Coastal Flooding and Power Outages in Northeast U.S.

BOSTON (AP) — A slow-moving, powerful storm impacted the U.S. Northeast on Saturday, producing high winds that resulted in power outages and creating dangerous conditions with large waves and heavy rains. Tens of millions of people were in the path of the nor'easter, which was expected to affect the mid-Atlantic area and New England throughout the weekend. At one point, approximately 100,000 customers in the region experienced electricity outages. The forecast indicated continued high winds, high tides, and heavy rain for the northeastern U.S. over the next few days, according to Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland. The highest tides were anticipated north of Atlantic City, New Jersey, from Saturday night into Sunday, raising the risk of widespread road flooding in coastal and bayside communities. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned, "Anyone who goes in or near the water this weekend is literally gambling with their life." In Long Island, New York, residents were seen kayaking down flooded streets. In Surf City, New Jersey, Kenny Formica monitored rising water levels inside his marina, recalling that the last time he witnessed such flooding was during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In Ocean City, Maryland, heavy surf caused beach erosion and flooding in residential areas. In Norfolk, Virginia, Ellie Hodge observed flooding affecting local roads. The storm led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Boston Logan International Airport and rescheduling of events, including a series of baseball games and concerts. A couple's wedding plans on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, were disrupted due to a highway closure caused by flooding. State officials along the East Coast advised caution, noting that coastal flooding posed the greatest threat, along with heavy rains and winds. Nor'easters are common in New England during fall, but this storm's timing was noted as potentially earlier than usual. The storm's slow movement could exacerbate beach erosion due to prolonged exposure to strong winds and waves. Ferry operations in Long Island were paused as a precaution. Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri, with contributions from Associated Press writers across various locations.