The U.S. East Coast is bracing for a serious storm as a major nor'easter begins its onslaught, bringing flooding and significant disruptions. In New Jersey, communities like Surf City are already experiencing streets submerged under water, with waves lapping at homes. Mayor Mike Mangan of Manasquan, just up the coast, warned residents to expect "a lot of water in the streets for a long time," after a voluntary evacuation was issued for low-lying areas.
Thousands of residents across the region were left without power on Friday night as the storm's initial bands swept through. The National Weather Service has flagged the Mid-Atlantic coast, particularly New Jersey and Delaware, as areas likely to face dangerous flooding conditions. Officials in Sea Bright, New Jersey, anticipate winds reaching up to 50 mph (80 kph). Floodwaters could potentially rise as high as 6 feet (1.8 meters) on some streets. This is expected to start Saturday and peak by midday.
Brian Kelly, the mayor of Sea Bright, grimly noted that the situation could be "worse than average." He drew a comparison to Hurricane Irene in 2011, a storm notorious for its widespread flooding across the Northeast. He expressed a gut feeling that this event might rival its impact. Kelly urged hundreds of residents in vulnerable areas to consider evacuating. The town is preparing to open its recreation center as a shelter.
The storm's fury isn't just confined to the Garden State. On Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, peak wind gusts could reach a formidable 60 to 65 mph (97 to 105 kph) by Friday night and Saturday. Boston is expecting gusts around 50 to 55 mph (80 to 89 kph). Inland areas will see winds in the 35 to 40 mph (56 to 64 kph) range, according to meteorologist Matthew Belk of the National Weather Service. "It's definitely going to be a case of the closer to the coast you are, the more impacts from the storm you're likely to see," Belk stated.
Nor'easters are a common occurrence as the fall season sets in. However, this storm arrives with a particular concern: leaves are still thick on many trees. Meteorologists like Belk point out that this foliage can increase wind resistance, leading to more downed branches. These fallen limbs not only create road hazards, but they're also a primary cause of the power outages plaguing thousands.
Travel plans are already in disarray. Over 200 flights to and from airports in Boston, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and New York were canceled on Friday. More cancellations are expected on Saturday. Airlines are offering waivers for some East Coast flights through the weekend. Major entertainment and sports events have also been hit.
The Red Sox rescheduled their Sunday game against the Chicago Cubs to Friday for a doubleheader. Ed Sheeran was forced to cancel his Friday and Saturday concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Ferry services connecting Cape Cod to the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard have been extensively canceled due to strong winds and rough seas. Similar disruptions are affecting ferry routes to Block Island in Rhode Island. Cancellations are likely to extend into Saturday. Sean Driscoll, a spokesperson for the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, acknowledged that while disruptive, these cancellations are a familiar part of island life. Most residents have contingency plans ready.