A powerful storm, known as a nor'easter, has caused over 70,000 customers in the north-eastern US to lose electricity as of Saturday. Forecasters have warned of gale winds and heavy inundations that could lead to flooded roads.
Tens of millions of people are in the storm's path, which is already bringing strong winds and rain to the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) anticipates dangerous flooding along the mid-Atlantic coast, particularly near New Jersey and Delaware.
In Surf City, New Jersey, streets are flooded, with some homes inundated. The mayor of Manasquan, Mike Mangan, expects extensive street flooding. Voluntary evacuations were issued earlier for some low-lying areas in the community.
Concerts and dozens of flights into airports in Boston, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts were cancelled on Friday and Saturday. Some airlines are offering to waive change or cancellation fees for certain east coast flights through the weekend.
Officials in Sea Bright, New Jersey, are bracing for winds up to 50mph (80km/h) and potential flooding of up to 6ft (1.8 meters) on some streets, expected to worsen by midday Saturday. Peak wind gusts could reach 60-65mph (97-105km/h) on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.