Major storm brings high winds and travel chaos

A powerful and dangerous nor’easter is hammering the Atlantic states today, bringing heavy rain, coastal flooding, and wind gusts topping 50 miles per hour.

(CNN)- A powerful and dangerous nor’easter is hammering the Atlantic states today, bringing heavy rain, coastal flooding, and wind gusts topping 50 miles per hour.

The cyclonic storm, driven by strong northeast winds, is pushing water toward the coastline — creating major tidal flooding concerns across several states.
Danielle Spach, Mitigation Program Manager with the Virginia Beach Office of Emergency Management, said: “The tidal flooding is the main concern.”

Authorities reported numerous water rescues in the Carolinas on Sunday, and forecasters warn that the Mid-Atlantic and New England coastlines remain in danger today. The National Weather Service says flood risks in some areas could last for days.

In Delaware, officials have activated the National Guard as residents brace for rising water levels.
Lily Calderon, who lives near Delaware’s Indian River, said: “I wanted to see how high the water was, and it’s higher than I expected already.”

Atlantic City, New Jersey, could see its highest tides since Hurricane Sandy. Officials say the region is better prepared this time, thanks to millions of dollars in coastal improvements.
One coastal resident said: “Nowadays everybody’s preparing for the worst and kind of hoping for the best, which is really the best way to prepare for it.”

The storm has also caused major travel disruptions. FlightAware reports more than 7,000 delays nationwide Sunday, with airports in New York and Boston among the hardest hit.

Meteorologists say the nor’easter continues to produce powerful winds across North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Danielle Spach added: “There are some big gusts coming through, so just the chance for some isolated power outages as well.”