Kayak Commutes as Storm Submerges Neighborhoods

Remnants of a potent nor'easter continued to affect the U.S. East Coast early Monday, following a weekend of severe weather. Coastal regions in New York and New Jersey experienced intense flooding, with some residents resorting to kayaks and canoes to traverse neighborhoods filled with submerged vehicles. Flood warnings and watches were in effect for parts of the New York metropolitan area and eastern Massachusetts.

The storm was responsible for at least one death in Brooklyn, New York, where a city employee died from a falling tree. Authorities confirmed a swimmer reported missing on Saturday was found safe. Approximately 21,000 homes and businesses across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts were without power early Monday.

States of emergency were declared by the governors of New York and New Jersey for affected areas. The National Weather Service forecast additional rainfall for mid-Atlantic and northeastern states, warning of further flooding. Dangerous surf and strong wind gusts up to 50 mph were also anticipated, potentially impacting areas as far south as the Carolinas and causing additional power outages and tree toppling.

Unusual weather impacts were noted, including the cancellation of a New York Yankees game and portable toilets sliding at a football stadium in New Jersey due to high winds. Coastal areas were warned of significant inundation, especially around high tide, with a shipwreck from the 19th century uncovered in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Wind gusts approaching hurricane strength were recorded in New Jersey and New York.