Imagine waking up to a city bracing for the worst, with winds howling and floodwaters rising—this is the reality for millions in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County as a powerful nor'easter bears down on the region. But here's where it gets even more intense: a state of emergency has been officially declared, signaling the severity of the storm's expected impact. This isn't just another rainy day—it's a full-scale mobilization to protect lives and property.
By Andrew Ramos, Updated on: October 12, 2025 / 7:08 PM EDT / CBS New York
The National Weather Service hasn't held back, issuing Coastal Flood Warnings for these areas through 8 p.m. Monday, alongside a High Wind Warning for much of Suffolk County until 6 p.m. Monday. Even the rest of Long Island, New York City, and southern Westchester County aren't off the hook, with a Wind Advisory in place. And this is the part most people miss: these warnings aren't just bureaucratic jargon—they're a call to action for residents to prepare for the worst.
Governor Kathy Hochul didn't mince words in her statement on Sunday: 'As the Nor'easter continues its relentless march through New York, I'm declaring a State of Emergency for the boroughs and counties most affected by the storm. The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I urge everyone to exercise extreme caution until this storm has passed.' Her message is clear: this is no time for complacency.
Behind the scenes, the state has been working hand-in-hand with county and city officials to prepare for the storm's arrival. Mayor Eric Adams took to social media to express gratitude to the governor and her team, emphasizing that local crews are working around the clock to keep residents informed and safe. 'We'll continue to provide updates as new information becomes available,' he assured the public. But here's a thought-provoking question: Are our cities truly prepared for increasingly frequent extreme weather events, or are we simply reacting to them?
New Jersey hasn't been spared either, with its own state of emergency declaration. The storm's reach is vast, and its impact is already being felt.
Power outages are a major concern, and the governor's office has mobilized over 7,000 utility workers across the state to address potential disruptions. Crews are ready to work overnight if needed, but outages began popping up as early as Sunday evening. If you're affected, here’s who to call:
- Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
- Con Edison: 800-752-6633
- National Grid: 800-867-5222
- NYSEG: 800-572-1131
- O&R: 877-434-4100
- PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
- RG&E: 800-743-1701
Travel is another headache, with all three airports in the Tri-State Area reporting weather-related delays. The MTA has banned empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from the city's seven bridges and tunnels through 6 p.m. Monday. But here's a controversial take: while these measures are necessary, they highlight the vulnerabilities of our infrastructure in the face of extreme weather. Are we doing enough to future-proof our cities?
The subway system is also at risk, with potential flooding threatening 20 stations. Crews have installed vent covers to prevent water from overwhelming the drains, which aren't designed to handle large volumes. 'We have overtime staff ready to tackle any water-related issues,' said Cylieah Tate, superintendent for facilities at the Department of Subways. But is this enough, or are we simply putting a band-aid on a much larger problem?
On Long Island, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine urged residents to stay off the roads if possible. NJ Transit has already announced service changes, including the suspension of the 319 bus route between New York, Atlantic City, and Cape May. More disruptions could follow, depending on the storm's severity.
As live radar tracks the nor'easter's path, one thing is clear: this storm is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of our systems. So, here's the question for you: Are we doing enough to prepare for the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, or are we simply reacting to them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
