A potent nor’easter sweeping up the Atlantic coast left parts of the New York region contending with downed trees, widespread power interruptions and coastal flooding on Saturday, officials said, and authorities warned that stricter conditions were still expected into Sunday.
Storm impacts and official warnings
By late Saturday afternoon, more than 70,000 homes across the region were without power, according to local reports. New York City’s Emergency Management Department cautioned residents that the worst of the storm had not yet arrived and advised people living in basements to move to higher floors to avoid flood risk.
“much more is coming.”
The warning echoed remarks from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has been monitoring conditions statewide as the system tracks northward along the coast.
What authorities are telling residents
- Wind: Gusts reached around 60 mph Saturday afternoon, with forecasts calling for even stronger gusts into Sunday.
- Rain: City forecasts increased expectations, with projections of 3 to 6 inches of rainfall for New York.
- Coastal flooding: High tides late Saturday night and again Sunday morning could push water into low-lying coastal zones.
Transit disruptions were already underway. Four bus lines in Queens were rerouted because of storm effects, and two Long Island Rail Road lines were partially suspended. Officials urged commuters to check service notices before traveling and to avoid nonessential trips during peak storm periods.
Human toll and local incidents
Authorities reported the first storm-related fatality in the city when a 56-year-old man in East New York was struck by a falling tree Saturday afternoon. He was taken to Brookdale Hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead.
| Impact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power outages | More than 70,000 homes without electricity (regional estimate) |
| Wind gusts | Up to 60 mph reported; higher gusts forecast |
| Rain | Forecast: 3–6 inches in New York City |
| Transit | Bus reroutes in Queens; partial LIRR suspensions |
Coastal areas of New Jersey and Long Island were also experiencing flooding, worsened in places by a strong morning high tide; forecasters noted that a full moon could amplify tidal surges. Emergency declarations remained in effect across parts of the tristate region as officials urged residents to remain home and heed local advisories.
Precautions for residents
- Avoid downed wires and report outages to utility providers.
- Move to higher ground if you are in a basement or flood-prone location.
- Check official transit and school announcements before travel or planned activities.
As the storm continues to evolve, city and state agencies said they would update the public on changing conditions. News Block will monitor developments and report new details as they become available.
