Millions in US north-east brace for powerful storm
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Much of the US north-east is preparing for the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds over the weekend.
PHOTO: AFP
- More than 40 million people in the US north-east are preparing for a powerful Nor'easter storm bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding to cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.
- Events including Ed Sheeran's concerts and major festivals were cancelled, airlines issued travel alerts, and authorities advised residents to take precautions and check travel updates.
- The storm could cause up to 13cm of rain, coastal flooding, and gusts over 100km/h, with previous Nor'easters having caused significant disruptions and fatalities in the region.
AI generated
NEW YORK - More than 40 million people in north-eastern United States braced on Sept 25 for heavy rain and strong winds as an unusually powerful storm for the season was forecast to crash into the region.
New York, Boston and Philadelphia were all in the firing line of the “nor’easter” – so labelled for its north-easterly winds – as authorities warned of potential flooding, downed trees and damaged power lines.
British pop singer Ed Sheeran’s weekend concerts near Boston were cancelled due to the looming storm, which could whip up gusts of over 100kmh along the east coast.
Several outdoor festivals, including Global Citizen Festival in New York and Oceans Calling in Maryland, were also axed over safety concerns.
The US Federal Aviation Administration advised airplane passengers to check its website for travel updates, telling AFP there is “always a chance for restrictions depending on the weather”.
Three major airlines – JetBlue, United and American – issued travel alerts allowing passengers to change their flights without incurring fees.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani told New York residents to “look out for your neighbours” after updated forecasts showed the storm shifting closer to the city than first predicted.
“If you’re travelling this weekend, give yourself extra time. Check your train, ferry, or flight before you leave, and avoid low-lying coastal roads around high tide,” Mamdani said on X.
The United Nations, where world leaders gathered this week for the General Assembly, urged media outlets covering the event to clear broadcasting equipment from outside the New York headquarters due to strong winds.
Meanwhile, up to 13cm of rain was forecast in areas of Massachusetts including Boston – the equivalent of more than a month’s worth of rainfall.
“Strong nor’easter off the mid-Atlantic and north-east will bring coastal flooding, rip currents, strong wind gusts and heavy rain to the region this weekend,” the National Weather Service said on its website.
Some coastal areas of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey have already seen flooding this week.
Nor’easters can occur throughout the year but are more frequent between autumn and early spring. They are almost always accompanied by heavy rain or snowfall, as well as strong wind gusts.
Earlier in 2026, a nor’easter that pummelled the north-east disrupted hundreds of flights and left thousands of homes and businesses without power.
That storm came weeks after the region recovered from another devastating winter weather system that was linked to more than 100 deaths. AFP