A powerful nor’easter has left over 70,000 people without electricity in the northeastern United States. The storm is expected to create treacherous conditions throughout the weekend, with gale-force winds and heavy rainfall forecasted. These could lead to fallen trees and flooded roads, impacting millions of people in the storm’s path.

Storm Warnings and Impact

The National Weather Service has alerted residents about major coastal flooding, particularly around the Mid-Atlantic coast, including New Jersey and Delaware. Coastal areas like Surf City, New Jersey, have already seen streets become waterways. In Manasquan, Mayor Mike Mangan has expressed concerns over the extended presence of floodwaters, prompting voluntary evacuations in some low-lying zones.

Travel and Safety Disruptions

The storm has led to numerous event cancellations and disruptions. Over the weekend, flights into airports in Boston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard are affected. Govern Kathy Hochul of New York has highlighted coastal flooding as a primary concern. She has also warned that heavy rain, high winds, and significant wave heights will follow.

Preparation and Evacuations

In Sea Bright, New Jersey, Mayor Brian Kelly predicts flooding comparable to the Irene storm of 2011. Residents in vulnerable areas are encouraged to seek safer grounds, and the town has set up a recreation center for evacuees. The storm’s high winds, reaching 60 to 65 mph on locations like Cape Cod and Nantucket, could result in more widespread power outages and road blockages due to fallen tree limbs.

Transportation and Leisure Affected

Boston Logan International Airport faced numerous cancellations early on Saturday, as did John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Adjustments to sporting events, like the Red Sox’s series against the Cubs, have been made in response to the weather. Additionally, ferry services to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Block Island were halted due to adverse conditions.

Sean Driscoll from the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamship Authority acknowledges that disruptions like these are part of life for regular island travelers, who typically have contingency plans.

Community Preparedness

Ashley Destino from Gloucester, Massachusetts, took measures to secure her property and is set to stay home with her children for the storm’s duration. She reported gearing up with activities for her kids and ensuring emergency supplies like a generator were ready, highlighting a common approach among residents in the affected areas.

Contributions to this report were made by journalists Michael Casey and Anthony Izaguirre.