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Concerns are growing about a major coastal storm which is set to batter east coast during Columbus Day and the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday weekend, with warnings of strong winds, heavy rainfall and severe coastal flooding.
Potential Nor’easter set to strengthen as it Leads to New York City and the Tri-State area on Saturday, with National Weather Service Warning of conditions that are likely to cause major disruption.
In New York, organizer of Staten Island Half Marathon Sunday’s event was canceled citing concerns over the safety of participants. The city’s transport system also said it had made special preparations ahead of the season.
Mayor Eric Adams warned New Yorkers to use caution in the five boroughs over the weekend, while state Gov. Kathy Hochul urged people to “remain vigilant” and prepare.
“Conditions can change rapidly, so if you need to travel please use caution and contact friends and neighbors who may need extra support,” Hochul said. “Staying alert and informed will help keep everyone safe over the weekend.”
until Saturday, Storm The forecast was to bring at least 1 to 3 inches of rain to key northeastern locations along the East Coast and wind gusts of 20 to 40 mph from the Carolinas to New England.
But forecasters predict coastal areas could see up to five inches of rain and wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph by Sunday, and there is a risk of major and damaging coastal flooding, significant beach erosion and heavy surf.
Coastal flooding remains one of the biggest concerns, with the NWS warning of “widespread moderate to locally major” flooding along the southern coast of Nassau and southwestern Suffolk counties during high tide from Sunday through Monday.
A minor to moderate flood risk was predicted for the remaining coastline, as well as widespread dune erosion. Forecasters said high surf is expected at many beaches on the east coast, causing strong surf.
Coastal residents were urged to heed warnings from their local National Weather Service office and follow the guidance of local officials.
In an update Saturday morning, the NWS extended its High Wind Watch through Monday afternoon, along with a hurricane and gale warning for New York Harbor.
Elsewhere, a high wind watch has also been issued for southern Delaware, coastal New Jersey and Long Island from Sunday morning through Monday night, with areas expected to see sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of 60 mph or greater.
Forecasters predicted up to four inches of rain was possible in central and southern parts of New Jersey.
Acting New Jersey Governor Taheesha Way declared a state of emergency effective Saturday at 10 p.m. “to prepare for the dangerous nor’easter storm expected to hit the state on Sunday.”
“I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed about evacuation protocols, and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Way said in a statement.
It was unclear why Governor Phil Murphy was away.
The low pressure system formed off the east coast of Florida on Friday before moving north. This comes after a quiet Atlantic hurricane season, which saw only one hurricane hit the US last July.