US East Coast braces for second fall nor'easter, flood alerts for millions
The gist
A major nor'easter off the US East Coast triggered coastal flood alerts from Florida to Massachusetts, affecting more than three million people.
The storm may last days, with repeated high-tide flooding and dangerous surf.
How it unfolded
- Sep 25, 2026An early-season nor'easter prompted the NWS to issue a High Wind Warning for coastal areas and a Wind Advisory inland from 8 a.m. Friday through 2 a.m. Sunday, with gusts peaking at 50-70 mph over Cape Ann, Cape Cod and the islands. Coastal flood warnings were issued for New York City and Long Island, with breaking waves of 5 to 12 feet expected.
- Oct 8, 2026A powerful nor'easter was set to slam Massachusetts, prompting multiple storm warnings and advisories.
- Oct 19, 2026A major nor'easter formed right off the US East Coast, triggering coastal flooding alerts from Florida to Massachusetts and affecting more than three million people. The NWS issued an official Storm Warning in the Atlantic for waters 70 to 300 miles off the Mid-Atlantic, with gusts up to 70 mph from North Carolina to southern New Jersey on Monday and Tuesday.
Key terms
- nor'easter
- A large-scale extratropical cyclone in the western North Atlantic whose winds blow from the northeast, often bringing heavy rain or snow and coastal flooding.
- rip currents
- A strong, narrow, localized current of water that moves directly away from the shore through the lines of breaking waves.
Source: Wikipedia