A powerful nor’easter affected the Northeast coast on September 26, 2026, bringing dangerous coastal flooding, high winds, and significant power outages, with officials urging residents to avoid travel and prepare for prolonged impacts.
Authorities warned of a lot of high winds, a lot of high tides and heavy rain possibility over the next few days,
according to Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service.
Devastating Flooding and Storm Surge
Kayakers in Long Island paddled through flooded streets, while in Ocean City, Maryland, beach erosion and flooding exposed residents to rising waters. Kenny Formica, a marina owner in Surf City, New Jersey, described the devastation as like an 8,000-pound boat and, you know, a $150,000 boat — just gone
after a 25-foot vessel was swept away. Jay Boyd reported water surging into backyards, with cars getting stuck on roads and sidewalks.
The Weather Prediction Center forecast 1 to 3 inches of rain in the Philadelphia region and up to 5 inches in parts of Long Island and southern New England. Coastal flooding advisories were in effect for the New York metro area, exacerbated by the full moon and strong winds. We’ve seen cars get stuck on the road, going up the sidewalks,
said Ellie Hodge, a Norfolk resident, describing the conditions.
Government Warnings and Evacuation Efforts
If you live in a basement apartment, know your way out and be prepared to move to a higher floor if conditions become dangerous,
Mamdani said on X.
The storm forced hundreds of flight cancellations at Boston Logan International Airport and disrupted travel to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. In Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, nine adults and a dog were rescued from floodwaters, highlighting the storm’s widespread disruption.
Long-Lasting Impacts and Weather Forecasts
The National Weather Service predicted the storm would stall or meander nearby through Monday,
prolonging rain, wind, and coastal impacts before departing on Tuesday. 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,
said NWS meteorologist Matthew Belk.
Historical comparisons were drawn to Hurricane Sandy, which caused more than $4 million in damage to Formica’s marina. The slow-moving nature of this storm, combined with its early-season timing, heightened concerns as fully leafed trees increased wind resistance. The storm’s expected path has shifted closer to our city, bringing heavier rain and stronger winds,
said Mamdani, as officials emphasized the need for continued vigilance.