A nor’easter moving up the East Coast has started causing disruptions in the Mid-Atlantic region, leading New Jersey to declare a state of emergency and airports to delay flights in anticipation of exceptionally strong winds and rainfall.

The intense storm system coming from South Carolina is anticipated to bring flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds to coastal areas in the tri-state area and New England.

The nor’easter crept up on the tri-state area on Sunday morning is continuing its movement through southern New England. 

Its most severe impact is expected from the afternoon until Monday morning. The Carolinas have already been hit with inhibiting rain and floods.

Meanwhile, seaside communities in Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York are still bracing for severe conditions.

As the Northeast braces for the harsh impacts of the nor’easter, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed ground delay programs. 

These flight restrictions are affecting arrivals in Washington DC, Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.

Boston Logan International Airport have been told to expect up to 86-minute delays due to low ceilings. 

LaGuardia and JFK passengers are anticipating their flights being pushed back more than 100 minutes. 

New Jersey issued the state of emergency on Saturday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued several flood and wind warnings for various states along the East Coast.  

So far, the highest reported winds were about 60 miles per hour in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Inland regions of the affected areas are expected to experience 30 to 40 miles per hour winds, while coastal regions should prepare for 50 to 60 miles per hour winds. 

AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva told the Daily Mail this nor’easter is particularly concerning due to its slow-moving nature. 

‘This means a lot of these impacts are going to be prolonged over several days,’ DaSilva said. 

DaSilva and other meteorologists say the brunt of the storm will hit overnight Sunday into Monday morning, although its impacts could last until Tuesday. 

People residing along the coast are at the greatest risk for intense winds, flash-flooding and power outages, DaSilva warned. 

‘What’s going to be remembered from this storm is going to be this coastal flooding,’ he predicted. 

‘I expected at least three high tide cycles where we are going to be seeing some big-time issues during this storm – major flooding.’

DaSilva anticipates the first high tide cycle to hit on Sunday afternoon. The second will strike overnight and the third on Monday morning.  

Flooding may cause devastation with the ‘greatest potential for major flooding’ being from the Outer Banks all the way up through Northern New Jersey. 

Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way issued the dire warning on Saturday  night, when parts of the state saw rain stemming from the storm.

‘I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,’ Way said in a statement. 

Former NYC governor and Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo issued an urgent message to New Yorkers on Sunday just before 2pm. 

‘As a major storm approaches New York City, I’m urging every New Yorker to prepare now: secure what you can, check on your neighbors, and stay tuned to official alerts and updates,’ he wrote on X. 

‘We’ve seen what can happen when government isn’t ready. I’ve led through Hurricane Sandy, blackouts, floods, and blizzards – and I know that in moments like these, leadership and experience make all the difference.

‘When I say now is not the time for on-the-job training, it’s times like these I’m talking about.’

New Jersey and New York may see anywhere from one to three inches of rain.  

The National Weather Service placed New York City, Long Island and southern Westchester County under a coastal flood warning and wind advisory through at least Monday afternoon. 

The NWS warned that water levels are expected to rise up to two and half feet above ground level in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan, causing beach erosion and ‘widespread moderate flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or properties.’  

The Carolinas have already experienced high tides and flooding in some regions. Photos captured in Buxton, North Carolina, show water-filled roads and gloomy skies. 

The Outer Banks have already seen a significant amount of storm damage this season. 

A series of storms that moved well offshore have destroyed 10 houses in the past month and breached dunes. The pilings of some homes in Buxton were already in the waves before the worst of the storm. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has also experienced water-filled roads as the nor’easter’s rains show no signs of stopping. 

The Ground Delay Program began on Sunday at 12:30pm EDT and will remain in effect through 11pm, according to the Air Traffic Control System Command Center. 

In response to the large coastal storm, flight companies have temporarily waived their fees for booking changes.   

American Airlines waived its fare differences and change fees for Sunday flights from Portland, Maine, to Newport News, Virginia. 

Other airlines including Southwest, Delta and United have adopted similar policies.