Governors in New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as a significant nor’easter brings heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous flooding to the region.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill both announced Friday they would issue emergency declarations ahead of the weekend storm.
“I’m declaring a State of Emergency for Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester as this powerful coastal storm bears down on the region,” Hochul wrote on social media Friday afternoon.
Hochul added that the state is “expecting dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds and potential power outages through the weekend,” signaling the breadth of the threat facing millions of residents.
Sherrill placed eight New Jersey counties under a state of emergency Friday evening, including Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem.
“I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay alert, and follow local guidance. We’re prepared and will keep you updated as conditions develop,” Sherrill wrote on social media.
The National Weather Service forecasted moderate to locally major flooding over the weekend, particularly across several New York City counties, raising alarm among city officials.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a public statement urging residents to prepare, noting that “the storm’s expected path has shifted closer to our city, bringing heavier rain and stronger winds.”
Mamdani closed his statement with a community-focused message, writing, “Look out for your neighbors,” as officials braced for potentially severe impacts across the five boroughs and surrounding areas.
Coastal flooding remains the primary concern in New York, with the worst conditions expected along Long Island’s South Shore, lower New York Harbor, the Bronx, Westchester, and northern Nassau County.
Wave heights along Long Island Sound could reach 4 to 7 feet, while western Long Island could see waves between 7 and 15 feet, and eastern Long Island faces waves as high as 22 feet.
Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, threatening to bring down trees and power lines across the region, with officials urging people to stay away from beaches and avoid all water activities.
More than 5,600 workers are on standby statewide in New York for response, restoration, and repair efforts as the storm intensifies through the weekend.
Emergency declarations activate state operations centers and coordinate agencies including the New Jersey State Police, Department of Environmental Protection, and Department of Transportation to deploy resources in real time.
The storm is expected to peak from Saturday into early Sunday before gradually weakening, though hazardous conditions are forecast to linger well into Monday.
