A nor’easter headed up the East Coast has begun wreaking havoc on the Mid-Atlantic region, with New Jersey issuing a state of emergency and airports delaying flights to brace for alarmingly strong winds and rainfall. 

This intense storm system, originating from South Carolina, is forecasted to unleash flooding, torrential downpours, and fierce wind gusts across coastal areas in the tri-state region and New England.

The nor’easter crept up on the tri-state area on Sunday morning is continuing its movement through southern New England. 

The storm’s peak impact is expected to occur from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. The Carolinas have already faced disruptive rain and flooding as a result.

Meanwhile, coastal communities in Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York are bracing themselves for potentially severe conditions.

As the Northeast braces for the harsh impacts of the nor’easter, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed ground delay programs. 

These flight restrictions affect flights arriving in Washington DC, Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. 

Boston Logan International Airport have been told to expect up to 86-minute delays due to low ceilings. 

Flooding has already begun in areas including Buxton, North Carolina (pictured on Sunday)

AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said he expects three high tides from this nor’easter (pictured: houses a risk of collapse in Buxton on Sunday) 

Seaside communities in Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York are still preparing for the worst (pictured: Sunday’s forecast)

LaGuardia and JFK passengers are anticipating their flights being pushed back more than 100 minutes. 

New Jersey issued the state of emergency on Saturday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued several flood and wind warnings for various states along the East Coast.  

So far, the highest reported winds were about 60 miles per hour in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Inland regions of the affected areas are expected to experience 30 to 40 miles per hour winds, while coastal regions should prepare for 50 to 60 miles per hour winds. 

AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva told the Daily Mail this nor’easter is particularly concerning due to its slow-moving nature. 

‘This means a lot of these impacts are going to be prolonged over several days,’ DaSilva said. 

DaSilva and other meteorologists say the brunt of the storm will hit overnight Sunday into Monday morning, although its impacts could last until Tuesday. 

People residing along the coast are at the greatest risk for intense winds, flash-flooding and power outages, DaSilva warned. 

‘What’s going to be remembered from this storm is going to be this coastal flooding,’ he predicted. 

Pictured: The expected track for the nor’easter

New Jersey issued the state of emergency on Saturday night (pictured: New Jersey tides on Saturday)

Parts of New Jersey saw rain stemming from the storm (pictured: rain in New Jersey on Saturday)

Flooding may cause devastation with the ‘greatest potential for major flooding’ being from the Outer Banks all the way up through Northern New Jersey (pictured: flooding in Buxton, which is in the Outer Banks)

‘I expected at least three high tide cycles where we are going to be seeing some big-time issues during this storm – major flooding.’

DaSilva anticipates the first high tide cycle to hit on Sunday afternoon. The second will strike overnight and the third on Monday morning.  

Flooding may cause devastation with the ‘greatest potential for major flooding’ being from the Outer Banks all the way up through Northern New Jersey. 

Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way issued the dire warning on Saturday  night, when parts of the state saw rain stemming from the storm.

‘I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,’ Way said in a statement. 

Former NYC governor and Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo issued an urgent message to New Yorkers on Sunday just before 2pm. 

‘As a major storm approaches New York City, I’m urging every New Yorker to prepare now: secure what you can, check on your neighbors, and stay tuned to official alerts and updates,’ he wrote on X. 

‘We’ve seen what can happen when government isn’t ready. I’ve led through Hurricane Sandy, blackouts, floods, and blizzards – and I know that in moments like these, leadership and experience make all the difference.

‘When I say now is not the time for on-the-job training, it’s times like these I’m talking about.’

New Jersey and New York may see anywhere from one to three inches of rain.  

The National Weather Service placed New York City, Long Island and southern Westchester County under a coastal flood warning and wind advisory through at least Monday afternoon. 

The nor’easter hitting the Northeast puts the region at great risk for flooding, with New Jersey expected to see up to three inches of rain (pictured: people walking in New Jersey rain on Saturday)

Major airports including Newark (pictured) have delayed its flights to brace for the storm  

So far, the highest reported winds were about 60 miles per hour in the Outer Banks (pictured: waves crashing from the storm in the Outer Banks on Sunday)

The NWS warned that water levels are expected to rise up to two and half feet above ground level in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan, causing beach erosion and ‘widespread moderate flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or properties.’  

The Carolinas have already experienced high tides and flooding in some regions. Photos captured in Buxton, North Carolina, show water-filled roads and gloomy skies. 

The Outer Banks have already seen a significant amount of storm damage this season. 

A series of storms that moved well offshore have destroyed 10 houses in the past month and breached dunes. The pilings of some homes in Buxton were already in the waves before the worst of the storm. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has also experienced water-filled roads as the nor’easter’s rains show no signs of stopping. 

The Ground Delay Program began on Sunday at 12:30pm EDT and will remain in effect through 11pm, according to the Air Traffic Control System Command Center. 

In response to the large coastal storm, flight companies have temporarily waived their fees for booking changes.   

American Airlines waived its fare differences and change fees for Sunday flights from Portland, Maine, to Newport News, Virginia. 

Other airlines including Southwest, Delta and United have adopted similar policies.