Key facts
- A significant nor'easter is bringing high winds and heavy rain to the US east coast.
- Up to 40 million people across multiple US states could be affected by the storm.
- Winds of 40mph-60mph are expected along the coast from New Jersey to Maine.
- Winds up to 80mph are forecast in and around Montauk, New York.
- Up to 8 inches of rain are forecast for parts of southeastern Massachusetts.
- Hurricane Nolo is expected to bring five days of torrential rain to Hawaii through Monday.
A significant nor'easter began impacting the US east coast on Friday, bringing high winds and heavy rain, with millions of people potentially affected. The storm, the first of the fall season, threatened to disrupt weekend plans across New England and coastal areas of New York.
Forecasters warned of strong winds, rough seas, and prolonged rainfall expected to last through Monday. Concerns include beach erosion, coastal flooding, and wind damage leading to downed limbs and power outages. Inland areas were also bracing for the storm, with AccuWeather predicting winds of 40mph-60mph along the coast from New Jersey to Maine, and up to 80mph near Montauk, New York. Some areas in southeastern Massachusetts could receive up to 8 inches of rain, with Boston and New York City expecting up to 2 inches.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean is experiencing intense hurricane activity, amplified by a record-setting El Niño. Hurricane Nolo was approaching Hawaii, forecast to bring five days of torrential rain, catastrophic flooding, and mudslides, though not expected to make landfall. Hurricane Polo rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm off the coast of Mexico, with its powerful winds posing a threat of life-threatening surf and coastal flooding before it was projected to make landfall in Baja California as a weakened hurricane. Hurricane Odalys was expected to remain at sea.
The El Niño has contributed to a record number of named storms in the Pacific, while conversely, the Atlantic has seen no hurricanes form by September 21, a first since 1914.