New York, New Jersey declare states of emergency ahead of nor’easter

The governors of New York, Kathy Hochul (D), and New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill (D), both announced Friday they would declare states of emergency ahead of this weekend’s nor’easter.

“I’m declaring a State of Emergency for Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester as this powerful coastal storm bears down on the region,” Hochul wrote on social media Friday afternoon. “We’re expecting dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds and potential power outages through the weekend.”

Later in the evening, Sherrill placed New Jersey’s Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties in a state of emergency.

“I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay alert, and follow local guidance. We’re prepared and will keep you updated as conditions develop,” she Sherill wrote on social media .

In Manasquan, a borough on the coast of New Jersey, officials recommended residents voluntary evacuate, according to a local NBC affiliate . The recommendations specifically targeted residents in low-lying zones, especially those who are elderly and individuals with special needs.

As the storm approaches, The Weather Channel reported wind gusts over 30 miles per hour along the coast of the Empire State and the Garden State on Friday, stretching down to parts of North Carolina. In Long Island, windspeeds reached up to 52 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service forecasted moderate to locally major flooding over the weekend, particularly in several New York City counties — prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to issue a statement encouraging residents to get ready for the nor’easter.

“The storm’s expected path has shifted closer to our city, bringing heavier rain and stronger winds,” Mamdani wrote.

After giving tips for how to stay safe during the storm, he concluded, “Look out for your neighbors.”