New York and New Jersey Declare Emergencies as Nor'easter Threatens East Coast
New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency as a nor'easter threatened flooding, high winds and travel chaos along the US East Coast.
New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency in counties expected to bear the brunt of a powerful nor'easter, including New York City, as the storm bore down on the US East Coast.
Forecasters warned that the system would bring flooding, strong wind gusts, heavy rain and rip currents to areas stretching from Maine to Washington, D.C., over the weekend. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to take the threat seriously.
New York City officials cautioned against possible basement flooding, power outages and disruptions to travel.
The National Weather Service said winds could reach up to 55 miles per hour (88.5 km/h) in some areas, making driving difficult.
The Federal Aviation Administration said flights at all three major New York City-area airports could be disrupted by strong winds. American Airlines, JetBlue and United Airlines waived change fees for eligible flights, encouraging customers to postpone travel between Friday and Sunday in the Northeast. Amtrak also warned that rail service in the region could be affected.
Several large events were called off. The open-air Global Citizen Festival in Manhattan's Central Park, scheduled for Saturday, and Ed Sheeran's concerts near Boston on Friday and Saturday — each expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees — were cancelled. Shows in New York City and Massachusetts where Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys and Lenny Kravitz had been due to perform were also scrapped.
Major League Baseball adjusted its schedule, moving Sunday's game in Boston between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox to Friday as part of a doubleheader at Fenway Park. The New York Yankees shifted their Saturday home game against the Baltimore Orioles to Friday afternoon.
As the UN General Assembly wrapped up, China's vice president and the foreign ministers of Canada, Germany, India and Russia were among those scheduled to address the world body over the weekend. Asked about the approaching storm, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the organisation has always endured and surmounted stormy weather both outside and inside the building.