Nor’easter threat prompts emergency declaration in New Jersey
A nor’easter is forming off the southeastern U.S. coast and is expected to move north through Monday, October 13, 2025. The system will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding risks to parts of the Mid-Atlantic and New England. New Jersey has declared a statewide emergency ahead of the storm.
Daytime atellite image of the U.S east coast with the developing nor'easter at 21:00 UTC on October 10, 2025. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
A low-pressure system forming off the southeastern United States is expected to strengthen into a nor’easter between Friday night and Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The storm will travel north along or just off the East Coast, reaching New England by late Sunday or early Monday.
Forecast models, including the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European model (ECMWF), show the storm becoming stronger as it moves north.
The system will pull in moist air from the Atlantic, bringing widespread rainfall to parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Rainfall totals of 50–125 mm (2–5 inches) are likely, with some areas seeing more. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has warned about possible flash flooding in parts of the Mid-Atlantic.
Coastal winds will increase as the storm moves north. Gusts of 80–95 km/h (50–60 mph) are possible along the coasts of New Jersey, Long Island, and southern New England. These strong winds will raise tides and increase the risk of beach erosion and coastal flooding. The NWS has issued flood watches, wind advisories, and marine warnings along the East Coast.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a statewide emergency for all 21 counties in New Jersey, starting at 22:00 local time on Saturday, to prepare for the storm. The order allows state and local agencies to move crews and equipment before conditions worsen.
“As this coastal storm approaches, I’m urging all New Yorkers to stay alert, watch the forecast closely, and take steps now to prepare,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced. “Conditions can change quickly, so please use caution if you need to travel and check on friends and neighbors who may need extra help. Staying vigilant and informed will help keep everyone safe through the weekend.”
Flooding could also occur inland, as heavy rain runs off quickly in cities and on already saturated ground. Some areas could see rain rates of 25 mm (1 inch) per hour, increasing the chance of flash floods in parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York.
The storm’s track will determine how severe the impacts are. If it stays close to the coast, heavier rain and stronger winds will reach farther inland. If it moves slightly offshore, the worst conditions will remain over the ocean. Current forecasts suggest a moderate-strength storm that will slowly move out into the Atlantic by Monday night.
Sea-surface temperatures near the Southeast and along the Gulf Stream are around 26 °C (79 °F), helping fuel the storm’s development, while waters off New England are cooler, near 12–15 °C (54–59 °F). The contrast between these warm and cool waters is part of what drives the system’s growth.
The National Weather Service advises residents to stay updated on local forecasts, prepare for power outages, and avoid flooded roads. Conditions should start to improve along the coast by Tuesday as the system moves into the North Atlantic.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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