UPDATE: A powerful nor’easter is rapidly approaching the New York City and New Jersey areas, prompting urgent safety warnings and preparations. Residents are advised to stay indoors and evacuate basement apartments as officials declare a state of emergency in New Jersey and issue flood warnings for NYC.
The National Weather Service has confirmed that from noon on October 29 to 6 p.m. on October 30, the storm will unleash torrential downpours of up to 1-2 inches of rain and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. New Jersey is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with Governor Phil Murphy warning of potential power outages, coastal flooding, and severe beach erosion.
New York City officials are stressing the importance of safety, urging residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground immediately. “Bring inside or secure loose outdoor items like Halloween decorations, garbage bins, and patio furniture,” NYC Emergency Management posted on X.com. The agency cautions that strong winds may cause hazardous conditions, particularly in areas with trees or construction sites.
The MTA has implemented restrictions, barring empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from its seven major bridges, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge. This precaution aims to ensure the safety of commuters as the storm intensifies.
In light of past storm tragedies, notably the 2021 Tropical Storm Ida, which claimed 13 lives in NYC with many victims trapped in flooded basements, officials are urging immediate action. “Stay indoors when possible, especially during peak gusts,” they emphasize, highlighting the critical need for preparedness.
Con Edison is mobilizing resources ahead of the storm, readying work crews and enlisting 900 mutual-aid workers to respond to power outages. Residents are reminded to use flashlights instead of candles during outages to minimize fire risks.
As the storm approaches, authorities are closely monitoring conditions and will provide updates as necessary. The public is advised to stay informed through official channels and report any emergencies by calling 911 for life-threatening situations or 311 for non-emergency issues.
Stay safe and remain vigilant as this urgent weather situation unfolds. Share this information to keep your community informed!
