Nor'easter brings downpours, damaging winds, and coastal flooding to NYC, Tri-State
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- The effects of the arriving nor'easter could be felt and seen on Sunday, especially along the coast.
All of New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since Saturday night. It's expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state's emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary.
During the day, volunteers made their way to a beach in Sea Bright, Monmouth County to fill up sand bags and place them along the shoreline, as moderate to major coast flooding is expected.
"So far we've given out about 1,500 (bags). It's nice to see the community come together. I've seen neighbors come out and get bags for their elderly neighbors, so just watching people look out for each other, it's a good thing to see," said Autumn Nonnenmacher, a volunteer.
The high winds of the first nor'easter of the season dusted up so much sand that it was hard to see the ground.
It's not just the rain officials are concerned about, it's also the wind, beach erosion, flooding and potential power outages. PSE&G crews are performing system and logistics checks ahead of the storm.
Ahead of the storm, NJ Transit scaled back some bus and rail service. Systemwide cross-honoring is in effect for rail, private carriers, bus, and light rail service through Monday.
RELATED: Live updates on the nor'easter
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also issued a state of emergency for New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
"With high wind warnings and flood risks, staying alert, vigilant and taking steps to prepare is crucial for everyone's safety," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
Because of the nor'easter and state of emergency, Monday's 81st Annual Columbus Day parade in New York City has been canceled.
Eyewitness News will air a one-hour special at 1:00 pm, highlighting some of the Italian-Americans who were going to be honored at the parade.
Join Mike Marza and Sandra Bookman for that special, Monday at 1:00 p.m. on Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York.
Utilities in the area have added more than 1,600 workers to respond to the storm.
Josh Einiger reports from Queens:
"Areas that are served by overhead power lines, be prepared for potential outages. Our utility partners are bringing out additional crews to make sure they can immediately respond to that," NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said. "But also make sure that you have a flashlight ready with extra batteries, make sure your phone is charged."
On Long Island, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency Sunday because of the chance high ocean waves may push water into bays and waterways. Low-lying waterfront communities are preparing for flooding.
Lindsay Tuchman reports from Freeport:
Parts of the state are forecast to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds up to 60 mph (97 kph), up to 5 inches (about 13 centimeters) of rain and high surf, potentially causing beach erosion. Some volunteers were putting sandbags at beaches.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
