Violent Nor’easter Kills One, Leaves Over 100,000 Without Power in NYC Region
The storm brought torrential rain, powerful winds, and widespread flooding across New York and New Jersey.
A powerful nor'easter battered New York City and the surrounding region on Saturday, causing one fatality and leaving more than 100,000 homes without power. The storm, which began impacting the area late Friday, has dumped significant rainfall and generated strong winds, leading to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.
The deceased, a 56-year-old Brooklyn man, was killed when powerful gusts, reaching up to 45 mph, toppled a tree onto him in East New York around 3:30 p.m. Police reported he suffered severe trauma and was pronounced dead at Brookdale Hospital shortly after 5 p.m.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared states of emergency for New York City, Westchester, and all of Long Island. "Mark my words, much more is coming," Hochul stated Saturday morning, warning that full moon tides could exacerbate flooding. The storm is expected to drop up to 8 inches of rain by the time it moves offshore on Monday, with wind gusts potentially reaching 80 mph in some areas.
Coastal areas in Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, and the Jersey Shore experienced inundation as heavy rains combined with high tides. In Howard Beach, Queens, residents were seen kayaking on flooded streets, and an Uber driver was observed attempting to bail water from a submerged car in Far Rockaway. Two police officers sustained injuries on the Jackie Robinson Parkway in Glendale when a tree and lightpole fell; their patrol car was subsequently struck by another vehicle. The officers were in stable condition, and the driver of the other vehicle was treated at the scene.
As of Saturday morning, approximately 30,000 customers in New Jersey and 20,000 in New York were without power due to downed trees and power lines. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared emergencies in eight counties.
The storm disrupted weekend plans for many, leading to the cancellation of the Global Citizens Festival in Central Park and the All Things Go Festival in Queens. Ed Sheeran also canceled concerts in Massachusetts.
Service disruptions affected public transportation, with several Queens bus lines diverted due to flooding and downed wires. The Long Island Rail Road experienced suspensions on its Port Jefferson and Long Branch lines because of fallen trees.
Barrier islands in Long Island and New Jersey faced severe impacts. In Surf City on Long Beach Island, N.J., residents navigated knee-high waters, and a marina owner reported that boats were swept away despite being secured, describing the flooding as reminiscent of Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
New York City’s Emergency Management Department advised residents in basement apartments to move to higher floors. Despite warnings, some beachgoers were seen surfing at Rockaway Beach in waves reportedly reaching 10 feet.
Forecasters predict 4-6 inches of rain for New York City and 6-8 inches for parts of the Jersey Shore and eastern Long Island. Meteorologists warned of significant coastal hazards, severe beach erosion, and the potential for downed trees and power outages lasting into the early week due to the saturated ground and remaining leaves on trees.