Nor'easter batters East Coast with high winds, heavy rain, claiming one life
A powerful nor'easter brought heavy rain, strong winds, and significant storm surge to the U.S. East Coast, leading to widespread power outages and at least one fatality.
October 13, 2025 - 07:24 PM ET • 3 min read
A potent nor'easter swept across the U.S. East Coast on Monday, unleashing heavy rain, powerful winds, and significant storm surge, resulting in widespread power outages and prompting coastal flood warnings from North Carolina to Rhode Island.
The storm, characterized by strong northeasterly winds blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, brought tropical storm-like gusts up to 60 mph in some areas, though it was not officially named by the National Hurricane Center. The National Weather Service issued coastal flood alerts and high surf advisories throughout the Northeast, with conditions expected to improve by Monday night.
Storm surge reached 3 to 4 feet in several locations, including Cape May, New Jersey, and Kings Point, New York. Moderate to major flooding was still possible from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast coast, with a high surf advisory in effect for Maine forecasting waves between 5 feet and 10 feet.
Tragically, at least one storm-related death was reported in New York City. A 76-year-old woman in Brooklyn was struck and killed by a large solar panel that became dislodged due to high winds. Officials stated the panel flew approximately 20 feet before hitting the woman as she walked on a sidewalk. The parking structure where the panel detached belonged to a complex in Coney Island, and the solar panels had been recently installed. Stop work orders and orders to vacate were subsequently placed on the complex.
Thousands lost power across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts as of Monday. The storm also caused significant disruptions to air travel, with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed at major airports including Boston Logan International, LaGuardia in New York, and airports in Washington, D.C. Nationwide, over 6,000 delays and 900 cancellations were reported.
In New Jersey, roads were closed due to downed trees, and the Montclair-Boonton rail line experienced delays. The state had declared a state of emergency prior to the storm's full impact. New York City's 81st annual Columbus Day Parade was also canceled due to the severe weather.
The National Weather Service noted that persistent strong onshore winds, combined with high astronomical tides, contributed to ongoing coastal flooding and potential beach erosion. Scattered to widespread showers were also present in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.
Meteorologists indicated that wind gusts were gradually diminishing but remained strong at times, with continued off-and-on lightning. By Tuesday, the storm was forecast to move out into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving behind only light rain and sprinkles.