A slow-moving nor’easter battered the U.S. East Coast over the holiday weekend, triggering widespread flooding, coastal erosion, and destructive winds from the Carolinas to New England. As of Monday, states of emergency had been declared in New Jersey and parts of New York, while multiple towns along the Jersey Shore faced some of the worst tides in over a decade.
“This was a significant nor’easter for most of the Jersey Shore,” said meteorologist Joe Martucci. “Some areas experienced up to five consecutive high tides at or above flood stage, particularly from Monmouth County to Cape May.”
The most severe conditions were recorded in Ocean County, where Barnegat Light saw tides reach up to 5.5 feet (1.68 meters) — the highest since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Sustained northeast gale-force winds blew for 36 to 48 hours, with gusts peaking near 60 mph (97 km/h) along parts of the coast, including Island Beach State Park and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which recorded the storm’s highest gust at 65 mph (105 km/h).
Minor to moderate coastal flooding was still forecast through Tuesday afternoon, especially in back bay areas of Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. The National Weather Service extended flood warnings and high surf advisories for several eastern counties into Monday evening.
The storm’s impacts stretched far inland. Nearly 50,000 power outages were reported early Monday, including more than 18,000 in New Jersey, 11,500 in Connecticut, and 10,000 in New York. High winds downed tree limbs across Long Island, though no major injuries were reported.
Air travel was also heavily affected: by Monday afternoon, Boston Logan International Airport had over 75 flight delays and 43 cancellations, while LaGuardia Airport in New York saw 94 delays and 21 cancellations.
In Manasquan, Mayor Mike Mangan reported “massive” beach erosion: “The amount of sand we lost is significant. We’ll be looking to our state and federal partners to help replenish the beach before next year.”
Video creds to my Dad. This shows the nor’easter hitting the coast of Rehoboth Beach, DE. I promise he’s kidding about getting a kayak. pic.twitter.com/kU2ozcTUGL
— Mallory ✨ Metzner (@MalloryMetzner) October 12, 2025
AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva emphasized the nor’easter’s unusual strength despite its lack of a formal name. “Some beaches may be completely underwater. This storm may not have a name, but it is causing serious problems and disruptions along the coast.”
