A powerful nor’easter is bearing down on New York City, bringing the threat of coastal flooding, torrential rain and winds reaching 50 mph. Forecasters say the slow-moving storm could continue affecting the region into Monday.
Strong winds began sweeping across the area Friday morning. Rain was expected to arrive on Long Island first before spreading into New York City as early as 8 p.m., AccuWeather senior meteorologist Kerry Schwindenhammer told The Post.
Saturday is expected to bring the storm’s most dangerous conditions, including fierce winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding across the New York metro area and the Jersey Shore. The approaching harvest moon could further raise water levels along the coast.
“This storm has been moving slowly, so we’re tracking this as a long duration event,” Schwindenhammer said. “The worst of it will be on Saturday and into Sunday.”
Coastal flood and wind advisories are scheduled to begin Friday afternoon and remain in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday. However, Schwindenhammer said the storm’s strength and sluggish progress could allow hazardous conditions to persist into Monday.
The nor’easter has shifted somewhat farther south than initially forecast, potentially placing the Jersey Shore in the path of the heaviest flooding. Saturday’s full moon may intensify coastal impacts by contributing to higher tides.
Winds on Long Island could reach 60 mph, raising the risk of downed trees and power lines across the region.
AccuWeather forecasts as much as 2 inches of rain in Manhattan over the weekend, while Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island could receive between 2 and 4 inches.
New York City Emergency Management officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel beginning at 2 p.m. Friday because of the dangerous winds.
“The storm’s expected path has shifted closer to our city, bringing heavier rain and stronger winds,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on X. “If you live in a basement apartment, know your way out and be prepared to move to a higher floor if conditions become dangerous.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul also advised residents in New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley to take precautions throughout the weekend as state officials continue monitoring the storm.
“With a significant coastal storm starting to impact New York State, we are actively monitoring the track of the storm and any potential impacts,” Governor Hochul said.
“I urge New Yorkers to stay informed, stay prepared, and closely monitor local weather updates as conditions develop over the weekend.”
