September Nor'easter Brings East Coast Flooding, Amplified by Climate Change
A rare September nor'easter is causing coastal flooding and high winds from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.
A powerful September nor'easter is bringing coastal flooding, damaging winds, and heavy rain from North Carolina to New England. Peak impacts are expected from Friday into Saturday, with tropical storm conditions starting late Friday and hurricane conditions possible early Saturday. States of emergency have been declared in New York and New Jersey as the storm disrupts travel and events.
Coastal flood warnings and watches are in effect from North Carolina to Connecticut. Forecasters have high confidence in a long-duration onshore wind event causing significant coastal flooding of 1 to 3 feet above high tide. A full moon Saturday night could intensify tides and worsen the inundation. Waves are forecast to reach 12 feet in Ocean City, New Jersey, and up to 22 feet in New England.
Moderate to major flooding is likely from North Carolina to Nantucket, Massachusetts. Southeastern Virginia, particularly the Virginia Beach-to-Norfolk area, faces the highest risk for major coastal inundation. Some flooding is already affecting parts of Virginia and North Carolina. The highest rainfall totals, likely 2 to 3 inches or more, are expected from Rhode Island to eastern Massachusetts.
Climate change amplifies the storm’s threat
Human-caused climate change has made the ocean temperatures fueling this storm 10 to 50 times more likely, according to an assessment by the non-profit Climate Central. Rising sea levels, also driven by climate change, are exacerbating the flooding. Climate scientist Dr. Zachary Labe of Climate Central explained the connection. "Climate change is raising sea levels along the East Coast, so coastal communities are starting every storm from a higher water level," Labe said. "That makes flooding and erosion from nor’easters like this one more likely and more severe."
This effect is stark. Without the sea level rise attributable to climate change, Delaware would experience only minor flooding from this event. New York City would see no flooding at all. Nor'easters are most frequent and violent between September and April, but this early-season event highlights how climate change is increasing risks outside the typical window.
Preparedness and response efforts underway
Officials are urging serious preparations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, and Westchester, urging residents on social media to take the storm seriously. New York City Emergency Management issued a travel advisory from Friday afternoon through Sunday. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu noted the unusual timing. Nor’easters aren’t new for New England, but not usually in September, so we’re taking extra preparations to connect with all our residents about this rare fall nor'easter, she stated.
Utilities are mobilizing. Con Edison, New York City's largest utility, said in a post on X that it was preparing additional crews to respond around the clock. In New Jersey, crews cleared debris from storm drains as emergency officials urged preparedness. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden recommended charging devices and stocking up on batteries ahead of possible power outages. Powerful winds with gusts up to 50 to 60 mph risk toppling power lines and trees. A wind gust of 52 mph was already recorded on the north side of Long Island on Friday afternoon.
Widespread disruptions and cancellations
The storm has forced major changes. The Boston Red Sox moved Sunday’s season finale game to Friday to avoid delays. The New York Yankees moved Saturday’s home game to Friday for a doubleheader. New York City's annual Global Citizens Festival, featuring artists including Lauryn Hill and John Legend, was cancelled with tickets refunded. A couple changed their wedding plans, abandoning a weekend ceremony on a Massachusetts beach.
Residents are taking action. In Massachusetts, people were seen this week hauling boats out of the bay, worried about high tides and flooding. One person said he had been prepping all week for both wind and water. With no lifeguards on duty at New York's public beaches this weekend and a separate storm pummeling the Eastern Seaboard with high winds and rough surf, officials continue to warn of dangerous conditions. Residents are urged to prepare for power outages and flooding as the storm continues through the weekend, with emergency crews on standby.
