Powerful storm pummels northeast US with rain and high winds

A powerful autumn storm swept through the northeastern United States on Saturday, delivering heavy rain, strong winds, and the threat of significant coastal flooding. New York, Boston, and Philadelphia were directly impacted by the storm, dubbed a "nor'easter" for its northeasterly winds. Authorities issued warnings of major flooding and potential road closures as the storm threatened to inundate low-lying areas with water.

Over 95,000 customers in several states lost power by 3pm Saturday, with New York state Governor Kathy Hochul warning of the extreme danger posed by the storm. Long Island could see up to six inches of rain, and waves as tall as 20 feet in some areas. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani advised residents to avoid travel when possible.

The storm caused the cancellation of hundreds of flights, particularly at Boston's Logan Airport, where 253 were affected. Major airlines offered fee-free flight changes. The United Nations requested that media equipment be removed from outside the New York headquarters due to the strong winds. Several cultural events were canceled, including the Global Citizen and All Things Go festivals in New York, and Oceans Calling in Maryland.

Ed Sheeran's concert near Boston was also canceled due to the storm. Coastal areas in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey had already faced flooding. Nor'easters are more common during fall and early spring, typically bringing heavy rain or snowfall along with strong winds.