**New York and New Jersey Declare States of Emergency Amid Nor’easter Threat**
As a powerful nor’easter approaches the East Coast, governors of New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency in anticipation of severe weather conditions expected to impact millions. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and flooding from Maine down to Washington, D.C., over the weekend.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to take the storm seriously, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with the weather system. “Take this storm seriously,” she stated in a post on social media platform X. The National Weather Service has warned that wind speeds could reach up to 55 miles per hour (88.5 km/h) in certain areas, creating hazardous driving conditions and increasing the risk of power outages.
In New York City, officials are particularly concerned about the possibility of basement flooding and significant travel disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated that flights at all three major airports serving the New York City area could be affected by the anticipated strong winds. In response, major airlines including American Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines have waived change fees for eligible flights, advising customers to consider postponing travel plans from Friday through Sunday.
The storm's impact has already been felt in the entertainment sector, with several high-profile events being canceled. The Global Citizen Festival, an open-air concert scheduled for Saturday in Central Park, has been called off, as well as concerts featuring Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys in Massachusetts, both of which were expected to attract tens of thousands of attendees. The cancellations reflect growing concerns about public safety amid the inclement weather.
In addition to the concert cancellations, Major League Baseball has made adjustments to its schedule in response to the storm. The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox have rescheduled their Sunday game to Friday, resulting in a doubleheader at Fenway Park. Similarly, the New York Yankees have moved their Saturday home game against the Baltimore Orioles to Friday afternoon.
Amtrak, the U.S. passenger railroad service, has also issued warnings regarding potential disruptions to its services in the Northeast due to the storm. Travelers are advised to check schedules and prepare for possible delays.
As the storm looms, the United Nations General Assembly is concluding its sessions, with several high-profile speakers, including China’s vice president and foreign ministers from Canada, Germany, India, and Russia, scheduled to address the assembly this weekend. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric remarked on the resilience of the organization, stating, “The UN has always endured, and surmounted, stormy weather both outside and inside the building,” in reference to the impending weather conditions.
With the storm expected to affect a wide area, residents in New York, New Jersey, and beyond are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and heed safety warnings from local officials. As preparations continue, authorities are working to mitigate the impact of the storm and ensure public safety throughout the affected regions.