A powerful nor’easter struck the US Northeast on September 26, 2026, resulting in over 400 flight cancellations and leaving more than 119,000 customers without power across several states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Flight Disruptions and Power Outages Across Northeast Airports
Flight-tracking service FlightAware reported 425 flights cancelled nationally and 1,338 delayed on September 26. Boston Logan International Airport was especially affected, with 39 cancellations and 12 delays between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. EDT, totaling approximately 130 cancellations throughout the day. Airports in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard were also impacted by cancellations. PowerOutage.com recorded peak outages exceeding 119,000 electric customers early on September
26, with about 88,000 still without power by 1:07 p.m. ET.
Severe Weather, Coastal Flooding, and Transportation Disruptions
Strong winds generated gusts up to 65 mph on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, while gusts reached 50-55 mph around Boston and 35-40 mph inland. Coastal New Jersey experienced major flooding, particularly in Surf City and Manasquan where roads flooded and some homes were inundated. In Sea Bright, flooding up to 6 feet on streets was anticipated. Ferry services to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Block Island were widely cancelled, further disrupting travel connectivity in the region.
Official Warnings and Safety Measures
The National Weather Service warned of major coastal flooding over multiple high
tide cycles through the weekend, advising immediate preparation for significant inundation in low-lying coastal areas affecting roads, homes, and businesses. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “The rain is under way… Mark my words. Much more is coming.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents, “Don’t travel if you don’t have to.” Sea Bright Mayor Brian Kelly compared the storm to Hurricane Irene, calling it “closer to an Irene-scale flooding event.”
Airline and Event Adjustments
JetBlue, United Airlines, and American Airlines waived change and cancellation fees for passengers affected by the storm. The Boston Red Sox rescheduled their Sunday game to Friday, creating
a split doubleheader due to the weather. Ed Sheeran’s scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for September 26 and 27 were cancelled. The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority described ferry cancellations as “not out of the realm of ordinary” for the season, with Sean Driscoll, the authority’s spokesperson, noting these cancellations as a nuisance but expected circumstances.
Nor’easter Background and Traveler Impact
Nor’easters frequently occur from fall through early spring, bringing heavy rain or snow and strong winds that disrupt infrastructure and travel. This storm’s impact was intensified by leaves still on trees, increasing wind resistance and causing more downed branches
and power outages. The storm dropped between 10 and 15 centimeters of rain over affected areas including Boston and Long Island, contributing to flooding challenges. Power lines and trees were downed across multiple states, aggravating outages and road blockages. Travel disruptions extended beyond flights to car and ferry travel, leaving some travelers facing voluntary evacuations in flood-prone areas such as Sea Bright.
Official Statements on Storm Severity and Preparedness
The National Weather Service emphasized, “This storm is expected to bring major coastal flooding to the Mid-Atlantic Coast over multiple high tide cycles through the weekend.” Sea Bright’s Mayor Kelly warned, “I think this one will be closer
to an Irene-scale flooding event.” The Woods Hole Steamship Authority spokesperson Sean Driscoll said, “This is not out of the realm of ordinary,” reflecting regional preparedness for such storms. Meanwhile, utility provider PSEG Long Island restored power to over 34,600 customers since Friday morning but still reported around 13,300 customers without power on September 26 afternoon.
