All the states impacted by hurricane-like Nor’easter as state of emergency declared

What started as a restless swirl off the Southeast coast, Nor’easter has now exploded into one of the most disruptive storms the East Coast has seen in years.

For days, forecasters had warned of a system gaining strength over the Atlantic, pushing heavy rain and brutal winds toward the shore. By the weekend, that forecast became a grim reality — and it’s not just a bit of bad weather.

The powerful Nor’easter has already triggered widespread flooding, travel chaos, and power outages across multiple US states.

Millions of US citizens have been urged to stay indoors as officials brace for more damage from relentless winds, rising tides, and torrential rain pounding the coastline.

But for some states, the destruction has been especially severe — and the emergency response has kicked into overdrive.

Floodwaters swallow coastal streets in New Jersey as the Nor’easter intensifies (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu/Getty Images)

New Jersey is among the hardest hit, with a statewide emergency being declared in preparation for coastal flooding and strong winds, impacting nine million people.

In a statement at the start of the weekend, acting Governor Tahesha Way said: “I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

Coastal areas have seen severe flooding, with water engulfing parts of Avalon Bay and wind gusts topping 60 mph.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul declared an emergency across the city and its surrounding counties, leading to the cancellation of the iconic Columbus Day Parade.

In a statement to FOX 5 NY, parade organizers said: “Due to the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency this evening in response to the dangerous weather conditions brought on by the Nor’easter, including high winds, heavy rain and flooding in surrounding areas, we must cancel the 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade.”

The MTA deployed ‘pump trains’ throughout the subway network to battle rising water levels, and flight delays at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark stretched beyond two hours (via The New York Post).

Powerful waves have been pounding the New York shoreline amid widespread East Coast chaos (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images))

Further south, Delaware activated its National Guard as towns like Bowers Beach faced evacuation orders. In South Carolina, floodwaters covered Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Boulevard as wind gusts lashed the coastline.

On X (formerly Twitter), local meteorologist Jamie Arnold reported: “Significant flooding developing along parts of Ocean Blvd,” local meteorologist Jamie Arnold reported.

And that’s just the start. Here’s how the storm is affecting other states along the East Coast:

• North Carolina: Outer Banks hammered by rough surf, 20-foot waves, and coastal flooding.
• Virginia: Tidewater region facing dangerous tides and flooded roadways.
• Massachusetts & Rhode Island: Heavy rain and winds nearing 70 mph predicted through Monday.
• Connecticut: Coastal areas under flood warnings, with waves up to 15 feet.
• Maine: Expected to see lingering high winds and minor flooding as the system moves north.

Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski summed it up best to Newsweek, warning of ‘gusty winds, rough surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion’ through early next week.

For now, the Nor’easter continues its crawl up the coast; while it’s expected to weaken by Tuesday (October 14), the cleanup will take far longer.