Fatal Nor’easter Batters US Northeast With Heavy Rain, Strong Winds and Massive Waves

A powerful early-season nor’easter has battered the northeastern United States with torrential rain, strong winds and dangerous waves, killing at least one person and leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.

The slow-moving storm has caused significant coastal flooding from the Mid-Atlantic to New England, with communities in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and other states facing repeated flooding as the storm coincides with high tides. The National Weather Service warned that moderate to major coastal flooding, heavy rain, strong winds and high surf would continue into Monday.

In New York City, a 56-year-old housing authority worker was killed on Saturday after a falling tree struck him in Brooklyn as powerful winds swept through the city. Four other people, including two children, were injured after a tree fell at a Brooklyn playground, according to authorities.

New Jersey has also experienced widespread flooding, with water inundating streets and homes along the Jersey Shore. Governor Mikie Sherrill said dozens of people had been evacuated and others rescued from flooded vehicles and roads, while officials warned residents that further flooding remained possible as additional high tides moved through the region.

Atlantic City experienced particularly severe flooding, with water levels reaching their highest point there since Superstorm Sandy, according to reports. Coastal communities have faced repeated waves and storm surge, while authorities have warned residents to stay away from beaches and other exposed waterfront areas.

The storm has also caused widespread power outages. More than 100,000 customers across the Northeast were without electricity at one point on Saturday, while more than 130,000 customers remained without power across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Sunday morning, according to outage trackers cited by news agencies. Utility crews have been working to restore electricity as fallen trees and branches damaged power lines.

Travel has been heavily disrupted. Hundreds of flights were cancelled and thousands delayed across the United States, with Boston Logan International Airport among the hardest-hit facilities. Flooding also disrupted roads and rail services, while authorities issued warnings against unnecessary travel in areas experiencing dangerous conditions.

The storm has produced particularly hazardous marine conditions. The National Weather Service reported seas of up to 7 to 10 feet in waters off Atlantic City, with dangerous rip currents and high surf affecting much of the coast. Forecasters said the storm would gradually weaken, but rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding could continue through Monday and, in some parts of New England, into Tuesday.

Officials have urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to remain alert, avoid flooded roads and stay away from dangerous surf. The nor’easter is expected to slowly move away from the coast after lingering near the Northeast, bringing an end to the most severe conditions while leaving behind flooding, property damage and prolonged power disruptions.