New York City and New Jersey are bracing for a powerful nor’easter expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding across the Tri-State area from Friday, September 25, into the weekend.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for New York City and parts of Long Island, while New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has issued an emergency declaration covering eight counties.
The National Weather Service warned that the storm could produce “potentially major” coastal flooding, with the greatest impacts expected from Friday night into Saturday. A coastal flood watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, alongside wind and high-surf advisories.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city’s Emergency Management office issued a travel advisory running from 2pm on Friday until Sunday morning. Officials urged residents to prepare for two to three inches of rain across the city, with locally higher totals possible, and wind gusts of up to 40 to 50mph.
The strongest winds are expected from Friday night through Saturday night, with flooding most likely around Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides. Forecasters have also warned of dangerous surf, rip currents and beach erosion along the coast.
New York City Emergency Management said residents should use Friday to secure loose outdoor items, charge essential devices and avoid unnecessary travel. Meteorologists have also raised the risk of flash flooding in parts of New York as rainfall intensifies.
The storm has already disrupted major plans in the city. Organisers cancelled the Global Citizen Festival, which had been due to take place in Central Park, because of the deteriorating weather forecast.
Officials in New York and New Jersey are urging people to monitor emergency alerts, allow extra time for journeys and stay away from flooded roads and exposed coastal areas as conditions worsen.
