More than 40 million people along the US Northeast will be affected by an intensifying early-season nor'easter through Sunday. Officials have declared a state of emergency for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester to prepare for dangerous flooding and wind gusts of up to 70 mph. Mayor Eric Adams warned residents in basement apartments to be prepared to move to higher floors and urged travelers to avoid low-lying coastal roads during high tide.

The storm was gaining strength around 200 miles east of Cape Hatteras on Friday, with the hardest hits forecast for a stretch from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Coastal flooding is expected to begin Friday night and reach peak intensity on Saturday morning, specifically in Staten Island, Jamaica Bay, and the Rockaways. The city's mayor advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel as strong wind gusts may bring down trees and power lines.