Coastal Communities Brace for Severe Flooding
Thousands of residents along the U.S. East Coast lost power Friday night as a powerful nor'easter began flooding roads and homes in coastal New Jersey communities, marking the first major impacts of a storm expected to create hazardous conditions through the weekend.
Tens of millions of people are in the path of the weather system, which has started battering the region with strong winds and heavy rain. The National Weather Service warns that dangerous flooding is anticipated along the Mid-Atlantic coast, with areas near New Jersey and Delaware facing particular risk.
In Surf City, a coastal borough in New Jersey, floodwaters covered streets with rippling waves, submerging portions of some residences. Approximately 34 miles north in Manasquan, Mayor Mike Mangan reported similar flooding conditions and predicted "a lot of water in the streets for a long time." Local authorities had issued voluntary evacuation orders for low-lying sections of the community earlier in the day.
Brian Kelly, mayor of Sea Bright, a small beach community in New Jersey, said his borough is preparing for wind gusts reaching 50 mph and flooding that could rise as high as 6 feet on certain streets. Officials anticipate flooding will begin Saturday morning and intensify by midday.
"It's going to be worse than average. We do have probably one or two flooding events a year, sometimes more, sometimes less, but I think this one will be closer to an Irene-scale flooding event. I hope I'm wrong, but that's my gut feeling."
Kelly urged hundreds of residents in vulnerable low-lying areas to consider evacuating, announcing that the town's recreation center would serve as a shelter for those who choose to leave their homes.
Damaging Winds Threaten New England Coast
Peak wind gusts could reach 60 to 65 mph on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Friday night and Saturday, according to Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norton, Massachusetts. The Boston area can expect gusts of 50 to 55 mph, while inland regions may see winds of 35 to 40 mph.
"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."
While nor'easters are typical as New England transitions into fall, Belk noted one particular concern this early in the season: trees still have their leaves, creating greater wind resistance. This increases the likelihood of downed branches, which could trigger widespread power outages and leave debris blocking roadways.
Along the Atlantic coasts of New Jersey and Delaware, wind gusts could reach 60 mph, the National Weather Service reported. Southeastern Connecticut and eastern Long Island, New York, may experience nearly identical conditions, with the potential for fallen tree limbs and downed power lines.
Transportation and Events Disrupted
More than 200 flights to and from airports in Boston, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and New York were canceled Friday, with additional cancellations already scheduled for Saturday. Several airlines announced they would waive change and cancellation fees for some East Coast flights through the weekend.
The Boston Red Sox adjusted their weekend series against the Chicago Cubs, moving Sunday afternoon's game to Friday to create a split doubleheader. Singer Ed Sheeran canceled his high-profile Friday and Saturday concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, citing storm conditions.
Ferry services connecting Cape Cod with Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard experienced widespread cancellations Friday due to strong winds and rough seas. In Rhode Island, ferries to Block Island were also suspended, with disruptions expected to continue into Saturday.
Sean Driscoll, a spokesperson for the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, said the possibility of being stranded is "part of life" for regular island travelers. Most people maintain backup plans for canceled boat service.
"It's a nuisance, but you know, we know what to do with this kind of stuff at this point. This is not out of the realm of ordinary."
Residents Prepare for Extended Storm
Ashley Destino of Gloucester, a coastal city in northern Massachusetts, took her two young children to the beach Friday afternoon before settling in at home for the duration of the storm.
"We came to the beach on Friday afternoon because we knew we were going to be inside all weekend."
Destino, who prepared Legos and arts and crafts activities to occupy her children, ages 7 and 4, and her husband took additional precautions, securing their boat with extra lines and readying a generator in case of power failure.
