A powerful nor’easter that battered the U.S. Northeast over the weekend has begun to weaken, with officials reporting at least one death, widespread power outages, and repeated coastal flooding from New Jersey to Maine.
New York City confirms fatality as storm weakens
The storm claimed its first confirmed victim on Saturday when a 56-year-old New York City Housing Authority employee, Leighton Brown, was killed by a falling tree in Brooklyn, according to the New York Police Department. The nor’easter, which had lingered over the region since Friday, brought tens of millions of coastal residents face flooding, downed trees, and utility disruptions across the Northeast.
Coastal flooding and power outages persist as storm moves out
More than 100,000 customers across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic lost power at various points during the storm, with New Jersey and New York among the hardest-hit areas. Coastal communities in New Jersey experienced repeated flooding during successive high tides, with some areas receiving more than 4 inches of rain since Friday. In Sea Bright, New Jersey, residents reported a foot of water in garages, with officials warning that additional tidal flooding could occur late Monday as the storm’s remnants continued to move slowly northeast.
Travel disruptions were also significant. Boston Logan International Airport canceled over 250 flights by late Sunday, while wind gusts reached 40 mph at the airport. In New York, trees and utility poles were knocked down on Long Island, damaging homes and cutting power to thousands. The National Weather Service noted that the storm’s slow movement exacerbated flooding risks, as extreme rainfall combined with dangerous surf and tidal surges.
Storm’s path and forecast
The nor’easter, which had been stationary over the region for days, was expected to gradually weaken by Sunday night, with drier conditions forecast for New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey by mid-to-late afternoon Monday. However, coastal flood alerts remained in effect from the Delmarva Peninsula through New England, with lingering light rain possible in parts of New England and Maine through Tuesday.
Officials in New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency, with local leaders cautioning residents to remain vigilant as another round of high tides could bring further flooding. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman warned of another weaker band of the storm that could impact the region early Monday evening.
Long-term impacts and comparisons
While the storm’s intensity did not match Superstorm Sandy in 2012, some residents in coastal New Jersey drew parallels due to repeated flooding and storm surges. The National Weather Service emphasized that the slow-moving nature of the system contributed to prolonged impacts, including extended power outages and travel delays.
As the storm moves northeast, drier and warmer conditions are expected by Tuesday, offering relief to affected communities. However, officials urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay informed about potential further flooding as the remnants of the nor’easter continue to dissipate.