A powerful Nor’easter battered the Eastern Seaboard on Sunday, triggering road closures and travel disruptions as excessive rainfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding impacted densely populated areas.Simultaneously, across the country in Western Alaska, the fading strength of Typhoon Halong brought hurricane-force gusts and devastating floods to coastal settlements, dislodging homes from their foundations.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway in Alaska
Table of Contents
- 1. Search and Rescue Efforts Underway in Alaska
- 2. Coastal States Brace for Impact
- 3. Delaware Activates National Guard
- 4. North Carolina’s Outer Banks Face Erosion
- 5. South Carolina Issues Water Rescue Alerts
- 6. States of Emergency Declared in New York and New jersey
- 7. Understanding Nor’easters and Typhoon Remnants
- 8. Frequently Asked questions about Coastal Storms
- 9. What specific resources are being pre-positioned in New Jersey due to the state of emergency declaration?
- 10. New Jersey Declares Emergency Amid Nor’easter Threat as Alaska Faces Devastating Floods and Home Destruction
- 11. New Jersey Braces for Impact: Nor’easter Emergency Declaration
- 12. Alaska Flood Crisis: Homes Destroyed, Communities Devastated
- 13. The Scale of the Disaster
- 14. Contributing Factors: Climate Change and Glacier melt
- 15. Relief Efforts and Recovery Challenges
- 16. Coastal Storm preparedness: A National Concern
- 17. Practical Tips for coastal Storm Preparedness
- 18. Case Study: Hurricane Sandy (2012) – Lessons Learned
Rescue teams were dispatched to the remote Alaskan villages of kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where reports indicated up to 20 individuals may be unaccounted for. Jeremy Zidek, a spokesperson for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, confirmed the reports of homes being swept away, possibly with occupants inside.
At least eight homes were carried away by floodwaters in Kipnuk, and a further four in the neighboring community of Kwigillingok. Search operations continued late Sunday as authorities worked to ascertain the exact number of missing persons.The region is notably isolated, with limited road access and reliance on boardwalks, boats, and snowmobiles for transportation, complicating rescue efforts.
Roads and boardwalks in Bethel, Napaskiak, Napakiak, and other Yukon-Kuskokwim communities were submerged, while power lines sustained damage. Airport crews in Bethel worked to clear the runway after it was strewn with debris from high winds. According to the Coastal Villages Region Fund,nearly 600 peopel sought shelter at a local school in Kipnuk and around 300 found refuge at a school in Kwigillingok.
“Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm. Help is on the way,” stated Governor Mike Dunleavy in a public statement.
Coastal States Brace for Impact
Heavy rainfall extended from the Carolinas northward into New England. Meteorologist Bob Oravec of the National Weather service in College Park, Maryland, emphasized the potential for meaningful coastal flooding as the primary concern.
Delaware Activates National Guard
In Delaware, state officials activated the National Guard to respond to rising floodwaters and strong winds. A voluntary evacuation order was issued for Bowers Beach, situated along the Murderkill River where it meets Delaware Bay.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Face Erosion
North Carolina’s Outer Banks, already vulnerable from prior storm damage this season, experienced ocean overwash on Highway 12 near Buxton. the Dare County Sheriff’s Office advised caution to travelers and alerted property owners as high tide approached. Several beachfront homes in Buxton have already succumbed to erosion in recent weeks, with one house appearing on the verge of collapse Sunday. “The waves are crashing really hard into the houses and the dunes,and it’s all eroding,” reported Robert Splawn,a local observer.
South Carolina Issues Water Rescue Alerts
Georgetown County, South Carolina, faced widespread flooding, prompting water rescues for motorists stranded in inundated vehicles, according to Emergency Services Director brandon Ellis. The area received up to 7 inches of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. In Charleston, South Carolina, numerous downtown streets were closed due to flooding. One resident, David Graubner, spent the weekend pumping water out of his property, hoping to protect his Corvette from a repeat of Friday’s high tide surge.
Myrtle Beach officials urged residents to remain indoors if possible,citing overwhelmed stormwater systems and associated road closures.
States of Emergency Declared in New York and New jersey
All of New Jersey remained under a state of emergency since Saturday night, authorizing the deployment of emergency personnel as needed. New York Governor Kathy hochul issued an emergency declaration for eight southern counties Sunday evening, urging residents to monitor forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel.
The forecast anticipated moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds up to 60 mph, approximately 5 inches of rainfall, and high surf, potentially causing beach erosion. Volunteers were observed placing sandbags along beaches. the National Weather Service issued coastal flood warnings and wind advisories for New York city, Long Island, and southern Westchester County through Monday afternoon. Strong wind gusts exceeding 30 mph were already being recorded sunday morning.
Utilities prepared for potential outages, deploying over 1,600 workers in the region. Flight delays and cancellations were also reported at airports along the East Coast, from Washington to Boston. The storm is expected to dissipate by Monday night.
| State | Impact | Emergency Response |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Catastrophic flooding, homes swept away | Search and rescue operations, shelter provided at schools |
| Delaware | Rising floodwaters, strong winds | National Guard activated, voluntary evacuations |
| North Carolina | Coastal erosion, highway flooding | Travel advisories, property owner alerts |
| South Carolina | widespread flooding, water rescues | Road closures, emergency services deployment |
| New Jersey | Coastal flooding, high winds | State of emergency declared, emergency personnel activation |
| New York | Coastal flooding, flash flooding, high winds | Emergency declaration issued, monitoring forecasts |
Understanding Nor’easters and Typhoon Remnants
Nor’easters are known for their explosive growth and intense precipitation, often impacting the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions during the winter months. These storms derive their power from the collision of cold, dry air from Canada and warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. NOAA provides detailed facts on nor’easters.
Typhoons, originating in the Northwest Pacific, lose strength as they move over colder waters or land, but can still deliver significant rainfall and wind even as remnants. these storms are part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.
Did You Know? Coastal erosion is accelerating globally, with a recent USGS report indicating an average erosion rate of 1-2 feet per year along the Atlantic coast.
Pro Tip: During severe weather events, stay informed via official sources like the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies. Have a preparedness kit with essential supplies, and heed evacuation orders.
Frequently Asked questions about Coastal Storms
- What is a Nor’easter? A Nor’easter is a macroscale extratropical cyclone with characteristics similar to a blizzard, but it’s generally not as synonymous with cold temperatures.
- how do Typhoon remnants cause flooding? Even weakened typhoons contain substantial moisture, leading to heavy rainfall that can overwhelm drainage systems and cause widespread flooding.
- what should I do during a coastal flood warning? Seek higher ground, monitor local news, and avoid driving through flooded areas.
- Are coastal communities more vulnerable to storm damage? Yes, due to their proximity to the ocean and susceptibility to erosion and storm surge.
- How can I prepare for a coastal storm? Create an emergency plan, assemble a preparedness kit, and secure your property.
- What are the long-term effects of frequent flooding? Frequent flooding will cause erosion, property damage, and impact infrastructure.
- Where can I find reliable weather information? The National Weather Service (NWS) provides up-to-date forecasts and warnings.
What are your thoughts on the increasing frequency of these extreme weather events? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below!
What specific resources are being pre-positioned in New Jersey due to the state of emergency declaration?
New Jersey Declares Emergency Amid Nor’easter Threat as Alaska Faces Devastating Floods and Home Destruction
New Jersey Braces for Impact: Nor’easter Emergency Declaration
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on October 12, 2025, ahead of a powerful nor’easter expected to bring meaningful coastal flooding, strong winds, and hazardous conditions to the state. The declaration allows for the mobilization of state resources and facilitates rapid response efforts. coastal communities are particularly vulnerable,with forecasts predicting moderate to major coastal flooding.
* Emergency Declaration Details: The state of emergency allows for pre-positioning of resources, including high-water vehicles, generators, and personnel.
* Projected Impacts:
* Coastal Flooding: Significant inundation is expected along the Jersey Shore, possibly impacting homes and businesses.
* Strong Winds: Sustained winds of 40-60 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph, are anticipated, posing a threat to trees and power lines.
* Power Outages: Widespread power outages are likely due to downed trees and wind damage.
* Travel Disruptions: Hazardous travel conditions are expected, with potential road closures and public transportation delays.
* Evacuation Orders: Several coastal counties have issued voluntary evacuation orders for low-lying areas. Residents are urged to heed these warnings and seek shelter inland.
* Nor’easter Preparedness: Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, charge electronic devices, and have a supply of non-perishable food and water on hand.
Alaska Flood Crisis: Homes Destroyed, Communities Devastated
While the East Coast prepares for a nor’easter, Alaska is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that have caused widespread destruction and displacement. Unprecedented rainfall and rapidly melting glaciers contributed to the catastrophic flooding, impacting numerous communities across the state.
The Scale of the Disaster
The flooding, which began on october 8, 2025, has resulted in:
- Home Destruction: Hundreds of homes have been wholly destroyed or severely damaged, leaving thousands of residents displaced.
- Infrastructure Damage: Critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power lines, has been severely damaged, hindering rescue and relief efforts.
- State of Emergency: Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state of emergency,requesting federal assistance to support recovery efforts.
- River Overflow: Major rivers, including the Yukon and Kuskokwim, overflowed their banks, inundating entire towns and villages.
- Evacuations: Mass evacuations were ordered in several communities, with residents being transported to temporary shelters.
Contributing Factors: Climate Change and Glacier melt
Experts attribute the severity of the Alaskan floods to a combination of factors, including climate change and accelerated glacier melt. Rising temperatures have led to increased rainfall and more rapid glacial runoff,exacerbating the risk of flooding.
* Glacier Contribution: The melting of Alaskan glaciers is a significant contributor to sea level rise and increased river flow.
* Permafrost Thaw: thawing permafrost is destabilizing the ground, increasing the risk of landslides and erosion, further compounding the flood damage.
* climate Change Link: scientists emphasize the link between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods.
Relief Efforts and Recovery Challenges
Federal and state agencies are working to provide assistance to affected communities, but recovery efforts are hampered by the remote location of many impacted areas and the extent of the damage.
* Federal Assistance: FEMA has deployed teams to Alaska to assess the damage and provide support for recovery efforts.
* Supply Chain Issues: Delivering supplies to remote communities is proving challenging due to damaged infrastructure and limited transportation options.
* Long-Term Recovery: The long-term recovery process is expected to be lengthy and costly, requiring significant investment in infrastructure repair and rebuilding.
Coastal Storm preparedness: A National Concern
The simultaneous crises in New Jersey and Alaska highlight the growing threat of extreme weather events across the United States. Coastal storms, floods, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, posing significant challenges to communities nationwide.
Practical Tips for coastal Storm Preparedness
* Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Outline evacuation routes, communication strategies, and meeting points.
* Build an Emergency kit: Include non-perishable food, water, medications, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
* Secure Your Home: Reinforce windows and doors, trim trees, and clear gutters.
* Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and heed warnings from local authorities.
* Consider flood Insurance: Standard homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage.
Case Study: Hurricane Sandy (2012) – Lessons Learned
Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the New Jersey coastline in 2012, served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events. The storm caused widespread flooding, power outages, and property damage, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. Key lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy include the importance of:
* Improved Infrastructure: Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as seawalls and elevated
