Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Wind Damage Across U.S. East Coast

13 Oct, 2025

By Eli Sachs

A powerful nor'easter battered the East Coast throughout the weekend and into Monday, October 13, bringing widespread coastal flooding, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall from the Carolinas to New England. States of emergency were declared in New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County as the storm system lingered over the region, causing road closures, water rescues, and power outages.

The storm generated some of the highest water levels seen along the mid-Atlantic coast in nearly a decade. Water levels in Atlantic City, New Jersey, exceeded 8 feet by Sunday afternoon, marking the highest levels since Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and reaching major flood stage. Cape May, New Jersey, was projected to experience water levels over 8 feet on Monday, which would be the third-highest on record and the highest since January 2016.​

Wind gusts reached 60 mph at Surf City, New Jersey, on Sunday night, while Cape Lookout, North Carolina, recorded gusts of 61 mph. The National Weather Service warned that wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph would continue along coastal areas from New Jersey through Massachusetts on Monday.​

"The greatest risk will be along the Mid-Atlantic coast where the combination of strong onshore winds, high surf, and strong astronomical tides are leading to major coastal flooding."
— National Weather Service

In Georgetown, South Carolina, emergency services conducted multiple water rescues on Sunday morning after the region received nearly 10 inches of rain within 24 hours. Williamsburg County, South Carolina, recorded over seven inches of rain in 48 hours, leading to flooded roads and submerged structures. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the rescues.​

Highway 12 in North Carolina's Outer Banks experienced ocean overwash near Buxton, prompting the Dare County Sheriff's Office to warn travelers and property owners as high tide approached. A section of Route 322 in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was closed to traffic due to flooding.​

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Sunday for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, noting the potential for flooding and power outages from "damaging winds" and heavy rain. The declaration allowed state officials to mobilize resources to assist local partners.​

New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency on Saturday evening, which remained in effect through Monday. Way urged residents to exercise caution and stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings.​

"I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on conditions, and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary."
— Acting Governor Tahesha Way

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency activated the state National Guard to help with storm-related issues, and a voluntary evacuation order was issued for the town of Bowers Beach.

The storm disrupted air travel at major Northeast airports, with several delays and cancellations reported at facilities from Washington, D.C., to Boston. Some New Jersey Transit bus and rail services were suspended through Monday due to safety concerns.

Rainfall totals varied across the region, with coastal areas bearing the brunt of the precipitation. New York City was expected to receive between half an inch and one inch of rain by Monday afternoon, while Long Island and eastern Connecticut could see one to two inches. Near the North Carolina coast, up to six inches of rain fell over the weekend.​

The National Weather Service warned that coastal flooding would continue through multiple high tide cycles overnight Sunday and into Monday afternoon. The storm was expected to move out by Monday night, with conditions improving on Tuesday as the system moved eastward into the Atlantic Ocean.​

Research indicates that the strongest nor'easters are getting more intense, with maximum wind speeds and hourly precipitation rates increasing. A July study found that these powerful storms are increasingly fueled by fossil fuel pollution, contributing to climate change.

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