More than **9 million people are now under a state of emergency** as a massive, hurricane-like Nor’easter barrels toward the U.S. East Coast, threatening destructive winds, coastal flooding, and power outages on a potentially historic scale. Authorities have issued urgent evacuation alerts in low-lying areas, warning residents to brace for what could be one of the most powerful autumn storms in recent memory.
According to NBC News, the storm is expected to make landfall late Thursday into Friday, bringing sustained winds over 80 mph in some areas — rivaling a Category 1 hurricane. Officials in several states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, have already declared states of emergency, mobilizing the National Guard and pre-positioning rescue crews.
Nor’easter expected to bring hurricane-force winds to East Coast. Millions under emergency orders. — @NBCNews
“This is not just a rainstorm — this is a dangerous, life-threatening event,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a press briefing covered by CNN. “We are preparing for widespread power outages, road closures, and severe flooding in coastal and riverfront communities. If you are in an evacuation zone, do not wait. Leave now.”
The **National Weather Service** issued hurricane-force wind warnings for parts of Long Island, Cape Cod, and coastal New Jersey. Meteorologists say the system is rapidly intensifying as it moves up the coast, fueled by warm Atlantic waters and a strong jet stream. “This storm has explosive potential,” said senior meteorologist Jake Simmons, speaking to AccuWeather. “We’re talking about impacts similar to a Category 1 or 2 hurricane — except this one will stretch across several states.”
As wind gusts are projected to exceed 90 mph in some exposed areas, utilities across the Northeast are warning of **long-lasting power outages**. Crews from multiple states are being brought in ahead of time to assist with expected downed lines and infrastructure damage. Reuters reports that more than 350,000 sandbags and emergency generators have been distributed in coastal towns in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
Officials warn “this is a hurricane-strength event in everything but name.” — @Reuters
Local governments are also preparing shelters for displaced families. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced over 50 emergency shelters would open by Thursday night, and the National Guard has activated over 1,200 personnel to help with evacuations and flood response. “We’re treating this like a major hurricane,” Murphy said in a statement shared with The New York Times. “This is not a storm to ride out on your couch.”
The storm surge is expected to be particularly severe along Cape Cod and Long Island Sound, where forecasters warn that tides could rise 6 to 9 feet in some locations. Residents in flood-prone areas have been told to prepare for **devastating coastal flooding**. “If you live anywhere near the shoreline, you are in danger,” said Simmons. “This is going to be a storm that people remember for a very long time.”
Storm surge of up to 9 feet expected in parts of New England as powerful Nor’easter nears. — @accuweather
Amtrak has announced widespread cancellations along the Northeast Corridor starting Thursday evening. Major airlines have also issued travel waivers, with dozens of flights already canceled out of Boston Logan, JFK, and Newark airports. Bloomberg reported that major shipping ports along the Eastern Seaboard have suspended operations until conditions improve.
Social media has lit up with images of boarded-up storefronts and long gas lines as residents race to stock up on essentials. Hashtags like #Noreaster2025 and #EastCoastStorm are trending nationwide as people brace for impact. Videos show empty grocery shelves and bumper-to-bumper traffic heading inland.
“I’ve lived here 40 years,” one Cape Cod resident told BBC News. “I’ve never seen the governor this worried. If they’re telling us to get out, we’re getting out.”
“This storm feels different,” says resident preparing to evacuate ahead of Nor’easter. — @BBCWorld
FEMA has already pre-positioned 600,000 meals, bottled water, and medical kits along the eastern seaboard. In a statement shared by Politico, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said, “This storm has the potential to disrupt power, travel, and daily life for millions. We need everyone to take this seriously.”
Meanwhile, meteorologists are warning that the Nor’easter could **linger over the region for more than 48 hours**, making cleanup and recovery more difficult. Heavy rainfall combined with powerful winds could lead to dangerous conditions well inland, including flash floods and falling debris.
President Biden has been briefed on the situation, and the White House has activated federal emergency protocols. According to The Washington Post, FEMA teams are already coordinating with state and local governments across the Northeast. “Lives are at risk,” Biden reportedly told aides. “We’re moving everything we need into position before the storm makes landfall.”
Biden briefed on hurricane-strength Nor’easter hitting East Coast; federal emergency teams activated. — @washingtonpost
As the storm approaches, officials are pleading with residents to **evacuate early, charge electronics, and prepare for days without power**. Emergency sirens have already begun sounding in some coastal towns. “This is a fast-moving, dangerous storm,” said Governor Hochul. “Do not underestimate it.”
Forecasters warn that conditions will deteriorate rapidly overnight. If the storm maintains its current track and intensity, millions could face destructive winds, catastrophic flooding, and a prolonged recovery.