Reuters

Tens of millions of people across the north-eastern US are in the path of a powerful storm this weekend, which has already brought coastal flooding, power outages, travel chaos and cancelled stadium events.

Peaking on Saturday, the so-called nor'easter will "bring dangerous coastal flooding and beach conditions, strong winds, and heavy rainfall" to areas including New York City and Boston, the US National Weather Service (NWS) said.

States of emergency have been declared in New York and New Jersey, the latter of which is already facing a coastal deluge in some areas. Rain and strong winds are forecast from Virginia to Maine.

Ed Sheeran's much-awaited Boston concert was among events called off.

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The nor'easter is already causing widespread power outages. Nearly 150,000 households have so far lost electricity, according to poweroutageus.

The Federal Aviation Administration recommended flyers check with airlines about their flight status. More than 1,100 flights have been delayed and another 400 grounded, according to FlightAware.

Saturday's full moon is projected to worsen coastal inundations. Streets and homes were flooded on Saturday in the coastal New Jersey communities of Surf City and Manasquan.

"I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay alert, and follow local guidance," Governor Mikie Sherrill said.

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Reuters

NWS said in its alert: "Prepare immediately for significant inundation in low-lying areas near the shore, including roads underwater and impacts to homes and businesses."

In New York, officials are warning of wind gusts of up to 55mph (86km/h) throughout the weekend, leading to downed trees and power outages.

"Don't travel if you don't have to," Mayor Zohran Mamdani told residents in a video message. "Do not drive or walk through floodwater."

In the Boston area, the Red Sox moved their weekend series against the Chicago Cubs from Sunday afternoon game to next Friday.

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A professional football match between Red Bull New York and St Louis City SC was also cancelled.

Nor is the Global Citizen Festival concert in New York City's Central Park, which was to be headlined by Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and John Legend, going ahead.

Sheeran's concert at the Gillette Stadium in the Boston-area was cancelled for safety reasons, the venue said.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BBC NEWS/Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu