New York, New Jersey declare states of emergency ahead of nor’easter
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey official Mikie Sherrill said Friday they would declare states of emergency ahead of a nor’easter expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this weekend. Officials warned of coastal flooding, strong winds and potential power outages, with local evacuations recommended in parts of New Jersey and storm-related warnings issued for New York City.
Why It Matters
State-level emergency declarations mobilize resources and signal heightened risk to residents and infrastructure along the coast as the storm approaches. Forecasts of strong gusts and moderate to locally major flooding increase the potential for power outages, property damage and hazardous travel conditions.
Key Facts
- New York emergency areas: Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester counties
- New Jersey counties in emergency: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem
- Long Island peak wind: up to 52 miles per hour
- Coastal wind gusts reported: over 30 miles per hour along state coasts extending toward North Carolina
- Flooding forecast: National Weather Service predicted moderate to locally major flooding over the weekend
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a state of emergency Friday afternoon for several counties as a nor’easter approached the region, citing the threat of dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds and possible power outages. Hochul’s declaration covers Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester counties, and came as weather services reported rising wind speeds along the coast.
Later Friday evening, New Jersey official Mikie Sherrill said she was placing multiple coastal and nearby counties under a state of emergency, naming Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties. Local authorities in the seaside borough of Manasquan recommended voluntary evacuations for residents in low-lying areas, with special emphasis on elderly people and those with special needs.
The Weather Channel and the National Weather Service reported coastal wind gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour from parts of the Northeast down toward North Carolina, with Long Island experiencing gusts up to 52 miles per hour on Friday. The National Weather Service also warned of moderate to locally major coastal flooding through the weekend, prompting officials in New York City to advise residents to prepare.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the storm’s projected track has shifted closer to the city, bringing heavier rain and stronger winds, and urged residents to take preparedness steps and check on neighbors. Both state announcements emphasized readiness and indicated that officials would continue to update the public as conditions evolve.
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