October 2021 nor'easter: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Atlantic nor'easter and tropical storm |
{{Short description|Atlantic nor'easter and tropical storm}} |
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{{Redirect|Tropical Storm Wanda (2021)|other storms named Wanda|List of storms named Wanda}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}} |
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{{Infobox weather event |
{{Infobox weather event |
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|pressure = 973 |
|pressure = 973 |
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|maximum rain = 8.69 |
|maximum rain = 8.69 |
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|maximum-rain-suffix = |
|maximum-rain-suffix = {{sp}}at [[Baiting Hollow, New York]] |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS |
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS |
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|winds = 50 |
|winds = 50 |
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|damages = 200000000 |
|damages = 200000000 |
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|outages = >600,000 |
|outages = >600,000 |
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|affected = [[East Coast of the United States]], [[Atlantic Canada]] |
|affected = [[Southern United States]], [[East Coast of the United States]], [[Bermuda]], [[Atlantic Canada]], [[Azores]] |
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|refs = <ref name="WandaTCR">{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL212021_Wanda.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Wanda|last1=Reinhart|first1=Brad|last2=Berg|first2=Robbie|date=February 23, 2022|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Henson">{{cite web|last1=Masters|first1=Jeff|last2=Henson|first2=Bob|date=October 31, 2021|title=Subtropical Storm Wanda forms, exhausting the Atlantic list of storms|url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/10/subtropical-storm-wanda-forms-exhausting-the-atlantic-list-of-storms/|publisher=Yale Climate Connections|location=New Haven, Connecticut|access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref><ref name="enormous waves">{{cite news|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/noreaster-sends-enormous-waves-crashing-over-homes/1038639|title=Nor'easter sends enormous waves crashing over homes|author1=Adriana Navarro|author2=Alyssa Smithmyer|work=AccuWeather|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref name="deadly nor'easter">{{cite news|last1=Hughes|first1=Clyde|last2=Uria|first2=Daniel|date=October 27, 2021|title=Deadly nor'easter knocks out power for more than 500,000 in N.Y., New England|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/10/27/noreaster-new-york-massachusetts-storm/4331635342755/| |
|refs = <ref name="WandaTCR">{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL212021_Wanda.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Wanda|last1=Reinhart|first1=Brad|last2=Berg|first2=Robbie|date=February 23, 2022|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Henson">{{cite web|last1=Masters|first1=Jeff|last2=Henson|first2=Bob|date=October 31, 2021|title=Subtropical Storm Wanda forms, exhausting the Atlantic list of storms|url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/10/subtropical-storm-wanda-forms-exhausting-the-atlantic-list-of-storms/|publisher=Yale Climate Connections|location=New Haven, Connecticut|access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref><ref name="enormous waves">{{cite news|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/noreaster-sends-enormous-waves-crashing-over-homes/1038639|title=Nor'easter sends enormous waves crashing over homes|author1=Adriana Navarro|author2=Alyssa Smithmyer|work=AccuWeather|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref name="deadly nor'easter">{{cite news|last1=Hughes|first1=Clyde|last2=Uria|first2=Daniel|date=October 27, 2021|title=Deadly nor'easter knocks out power for more than 500,000 in N.Y., New England|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/10/27/noreaster-new-york-massachusetts-storm/4331635342755/|work=United Press International|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref> |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer |
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer |
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|season = [[2021–22 North American winter]] '''and the''' [[2021 Atlantic hurricane season]] |
|season = [[2021–22 North American winter]] '''and the''' [[2021 Atlantic hurricane season]] |
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The '''October 2021 nor'easter''', which eventually became '''Tropical Storm Wanda''', was an erratic [[nor'easter]] and [[tropical cyclone]] that struck the [[East Coast of the United States]], and meandered across the northern Atlantic Ocean in early November 2021. The powerful [[extratropical cyclone]] affected much of the East Coast, causing significant flooding in areas which were previously affected by hurricanes [[Hurricane Henri|Henri]] and [[Hurricane Ida|Ida]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Harrison|first=Andrew|url=https://centraljersey.com/2021/10/26/noreaster-storm-weather-does-not-cause-severe-issues-across-hopewell-valley/|title=Nor'easter does not cause severe issues across Hopewell Valley|date=October 26, 2021|access-date=October 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name="intensifying">{{cite news|title=Intensifying nor'easter lashing Northeast with flooding rain and high winds|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/10/26/noreaster-bomb-cyclone-northeast-newyork/|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=October 26, 2021|last1=Cappucci|first1=Matthew|last2=Samenow|first2=Jason|access-date=October 28, 2021}}</ref> As Wanda, the cyclone was the twenty-first and final tropical cyclone of the [[2021 Atlantic hurricane season]]. The system originated from a non-tropical [[Trough (meteorology)|mid-level trough]] that moved across the [[Southern United States]] on October 24–25, and moved out into the Atlantic, where a well defined [[area of low pressure]] formed. This quickly became a [[Explosive cyclogenesis|bomb cyclone]] off the East Coast of the United States on October 27, causing flooding and bringing powerful gale-force winds to the region in the process. Then, on October 30, after weakening and moving eastward out into the Atlantic, the system acquired [[subtropical cyclone|subtropical]] characteristics and was given the name ''Wanda''. By 12:00 UTC on November 1, the system transitioned into a tropical storm. Over the next several days, Wanda meandering well west of the [[Azores]], before curving southward and then accelerating northeastward, before degenerating into a [[post-tropical cyclone]] on November 7, several hours before merging with a frontal system. |
The '''October 2021 nor'easter''', which eventually became '''Tropical Storm Wanda''', was an erratic [[nor'easter]] and [[tropical cyclone]] that struck the [[East Coast of the United States]], and meandered across the northern Atlantic Ocean in early November 2021. The powerful [[extratropical cyclone]] affected much of the East Coast, causing significant flooding in areas which were previously affected by hurricanes [[Hurricane Henri|Henri]] and [[Hurricane Ida|Ida]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Harrison|first=Andrew|url=https://centraljersey.com/2021/10/26/noreaster-storm-weather-does-not-cause-severe-issues-across-hopewell-valley/|title=Nor'easter does not cause severe issues across Hopewell Valley|date=October 26, 2021|access-date=October 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name="intensifying">{{cite news|title=Intensifying nor'easter lashing Northeast with flooding rain and high winds|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/10/26/noreaster-bomb-cyclone-northeast-newyork/|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=October 26, 2021|last1=Cappucci|first1=Matthew|last2=Samenow|first2=Jason|access-date=October 28, 2021}}</ref> As Wanda, the cyclone was the twenty-first and final tropical cyclone of the [[2021 Atlantic hurricane season]]. The system originated from a non-tropical [[Trough (meteorology)|mid-level trough]] that moved across the [[Southern United States]] on October 24–25, and moved out into the Atlantic, where a well defined [[area of low pressure]] formed. This quickly became a [[Explosive cyclogenesis|bomb cyclone]] off the East Coast of the United States on October 27, causing flooding and bringing powerful gale-force winds to the region in the process. Then, on October 30, after weakening and moving eastward out into the Atlantic, the system acquired [[subtropical cyclone|subtropical]] characteristics and was given the name ''Wanda''. By 12:00 UTC on November 1, the system transitioned into a tropical storm. Over the next several days, Wanda meandering well west of the [[Azores]], before curving southward and then accelerating northeastward, before degenerating into a [[post-tropical cyclone]] on November 7, several hours before merging with a frontal system. |
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The nor'easter caused over $200 million (2021 [[USD]]) in damage in the [[Northeastern United States]], and two storm-related deaths were reported. More than 600,000 customers across the region were without electrical power at the height of the storm. There were no reports of deaths |
The nor'easter caused over $200 million (2021 [[USD]]) in damage in the [[Northeastern United States]], and two storm-related deaths were reported. More than 600,000 customers across the region were without electrical power at the height of the storm. There were no reports of deaths from Wanda. |
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==Meteorological history== |
==Meteorological history== |
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{{storm path|Wanda 2021 |
{{storm path|Wanda 2021 path.png|colors=new}} |
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On October 24{{nbnd}}25, a non-tropical [[Trough (meteorology)|mid-level trough]] moved across the [[Southern United States]] and out into the Atlantic, where a well defined [[low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] formed.<ref name="WandaTCR" /> The [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) began monitoring the disturbance on October 24, noting that it could potentially develop into a [[Subtropical cyclone|subtropical]] or [[tropical cyclone]] several days later.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo_5day/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202110240543&basin=atl&fdays=5|title=Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|last=Zelinsky|first=David|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|date=October 24, 2021|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref> The extratropical low that produced the [[nor'easter]] (which later transitioned into Tropical Storm Wanda) formed on October 25, about {{cvt|120|nmi|mi km|order=out|round=5}} southeast |
On October 24{{nbnd}}25, a non-tropical [[Trough (meteorology)|mid-level trough]] moved across the [[Southern United States]] and out into the Atlantic, where a well defined [[low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] formed.<ref name="WandaTCR" /> The [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) began monitoring the disturbance on October 24, noting that it could potentially develop into a [[Subtropical cyclone|subtropical]] or [[tropical cyclone]] several days later.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo_5day/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202110240543&basin=atl&fdays=5|title=Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|last=Zelinsky|first=David|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|date=October 24, 2021|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref> The extratropical low that produced the [[nor'easter]] (which later transitioned into Tropical Storm Wanda) formed on October 25, about {{cvt|120|nmi|mi km|order=out|round=5}} southeast of [[Cape Fear (headland)|Cape Fear]], [[North Carolina]], when the eastern part of the trough began interacting with the warm waters of the [[Gulf Stream]]. The following day, the low proceeded to move northeastward along the [[East Coast of the United States|U.S. East Coast]], ahead of another trough. There it deepened, and its [[Baroclinity|structure]] improved, as it absorbed another extratropical low over the Northeastern United States, which was located to the west.<ref name="WandaTCR"/> The nor'easter [[explosive cyclogenesis|became a bomb cyclone]]<ref name="bomb cyclone">{{cite news|title='Bomb cyclone' brings 90 mph gusts to New England; hundreds of thousands without power|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/10/27/bomb-cyclone-new-england-outages/|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=October 27, 2021|last1=Cappucci|first1=Matthew|last2=Samenow|first2=Jason|access-date=October 28, 2021}}</ref> on October 26{{nbnd}}27, when its central [[barometric pressure]] dropped from {{Convert|996|mbar|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} to {{Convert|973|mbar|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} over a 24 hour period. During this time, at 00:00 [[UTC]] on October 27, the system also reached its peak strength with sustained winds of {{cvt|60|kn|mph km/h|order=out|round=5}}, while located about {{cvt|110|nmi|mi km|order=out|round=5}} east-southeast of [[Nantucket]], [[Massachusetts]].<ref name="WandaTCR"/> |
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[[File:Wanda 2021-11-03 1530Z.jpg|thumb|upright=.90|Tropical Storm Wanda over the North Atlantic on November 3]] |
[[File:Wanda 2021-11-03 1530Z.jpg|thumb|upright=.90|Tropical Storm Wanda over the North Atlantic on November 3]] |
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The nor'easter was making a counterclockwise loop while rapidly intensifying, and when completed, it gradually weakened while moving out to sea. Embedded within a trough as it began moving eastward late on October 27, the NHC rated the five-day probability of it becoming subtropical as low (less than 40%). Late on October 29, the system began acquiring subtropical characteristics, following a flare-up of |
The nor'easter was making a counterclockwise loop while rapidly intensifying, and when completed, it gradually weakened while moving out to sea. Embedded within a trough as it began moving eastward late on October 27, the NHC rated the five-day probability of it becoming subtropical as low (less than 40%). Late on October 29, the system began acquiring subtropical characteristics, following a flare-up of convection in its northern region. Then, at 12:00 UTC on October 30, Subtropical Storm Wanda formed about {{cvt|515|nmi|mi km|round=5|order=out}} south-southeast of [[Cape Race]], [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]]. That same day, Wanda's generally eastward movement came to an abrupt stop, and the sheer decreased, which provided an opportunity for it to gain strength. Consequently, it was able to reach its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{cvt|50|kn|mph km/h|round=5|order=out}} and a minimum central pressure of {{Convert|983|mbar|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} at 12:00 UTC on October 31.<ref name="WandaTCR"/> |
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Though Wanda moved over slightly warmer waters on November 1, it was weakened some by renewed sheer and entrainment of dry air. Nonetheless, the system transitioned into a fully-tropical storm at 12:00 UTC that day, about {{cvt|825|nmi|mi km|round=5|order=out}} west-southwest of the [[Azores]]. After turning east, then northeast early on November 2, the storm produced a large burst of convection. Several hours later, however, Wanda entrained more dry air, which degraded the convection. On the next day, now following a northerly track, Wanda generated another burst of convection. This brought the storm over cooler {{cvt|20–21|C|F|order=flip}} waters, where its sustained winds fluctuated between {{cvt|40|and|45|kn|mph km/h|order=out|round=5}} into November 4. Even so, Wanda was able to maintain some convection around its center during this time. Wanda turned southward on November 5, due to a narrow, strengthening ridge to the northwest.<ref name="WandaTCR"/> |
Though Wanda moved over slightly warmer waters on November 1, it was weakened some by renewed sheer and entrainment of dry air. Nonetheless, the system transitioned into a fully-tropical storm at 12:00 UTC that day, about {{cvt|825|nmi|mi km|round=5|order=out}} west-southwest of the [[Azores]]. After turning east, then northeast early on November 2, the storm produced a large burst of convection. Several hours later, however, Wanda entrained more dry air, which degraded the convection. On the next day, now following a northerly track, Wanda generated another burst of convection. This brought the storm over cooler {{cvt|20–21|C|F|order=flip}} waters, where its sustained winds fluctuated between {{cvt|40|and|45|kn|mph km/h|order=out|round=5}} into November 4. Even so, Wanda was able to maintain some convection around its center during this time. Wanda turned southward on November 5, due to a narrow, strengthening ridge to the northwest.<ref name="WandaTCR"/> |
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{{Expand section|date=November 2021}} |
{{Expand section|date=November 2021}} |
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===Northeastern United States=== |
===Northeastern United States=== |
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More than 100 schools closed in [[Cape Cod, Massachusetts]] in advance of the nor'easter.<ref name="bomb cyclone"/> The Governors of [[New Jersey]] and [[New York (state)|New York]] declared states of emergency, with the [[National Weather Service]] issuing [[Flash flood watch|flash flood watches]] and [[flash flood warning]]s across the Northeastern United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/25/weather/noreaster-preparations/index.html|title=New Jersey and New York issue states of emergency ahead of nor'easter|author=Steve Almasy|work=Cable News Network|date=October 26, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2021}}</ref> [[New York City]] Mayor [[Bill de Blasio]] had storm drains cleared and sandbags deployed. Multiple school districts closed across New Jersey, in anticipation of the flooding.<ref name="feeling effects">{{cite news|url=https://abc7ny.com/noreaster-noreaster-storm-preparations-disaster/11166097/|title=Tri-state region feeling effects of heavy rain, high winds powerful Nor'easter|author=|work=abc7NY|date=October 26, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031083107/https://abc7ny.com/noreaster-noreaster-storm-preparations-disaster/11166097/|archive-date=October 31, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Phil Murphy]], the Governor of New Jersey, declared a state of emergency for the storm early on October 25. As a precaution, schools were shuttered, and flash flood warnings were issued across the state.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jeff Goldman|title=Fierce nor'easter to soak N.J. with up to 6 inches of rain. Flooding, gusty winds in latest update.|url=https://www.nj.com/weather/2021/10/nj-weather-fierce-noreaster-to-soak-state-with-up-to-6-inches-of-rain-flooding-gusty-winds-in-latest-updates.html |
More than 100 schools closed in [[Cape Cod, Massachusetts]] in advance of the nor'easter.<ref name="bomb cyclone"/> The Governors of [[New Jersey]] and [[New York (state)|New York]] declared states of emergency, with the [[National Weather Service]] issuing [[Flash flood watch|flash flood watches]] and [[flash flood warning]]s across the Northeastern United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/25/weather/noreaster-preparations/index.html|title=New Jersey and New York issue states of emergency ahead of nor'easter|author=Steve Almasy|work=Cable News Network|date=October 26, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2021}}</ref> [[New York City]] Mayor [[Bill de Blasio]] had storm drains cleared and sandbags deployed. Multiple school districts closed across New Jersey, in anticipation of the flooding.<ref name="feeling effects">{{cite news|url=https://abc7ny.com/noreaster-noreaster-storm-preparations-disaster/11166097/|title=Tri-state region feeling effects of heavy rain, high winds powerful Nor'easter|author=|work=abc7NY|date=October 26, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031083107/https://abc7ny.com/noreaster-noreaster-storm-preparations-disaster/11166097/|archive-date=October 31, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Phil Murphy]], the Governor of New Jersey, declared a state of emergency for the storm early on October 25. As a precaution, schools were shuttered, and flash flood warnings were issued across the state.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jeff Goldman|title=Fierce nor'easter to soak N.J. with up to 6 inches of rain. Flooding, gusty winds in latest update.|url=https://www.nj.com/weather/2021/10/nj-weather-fierce-noreaster-to-soak-state-with-up-to-6-inches-of-rain-flooding-gusty-winds-in-latest-updates.html|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=nj.com|date=October 26, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Impact== |
==Impact== |
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=== New Jersey === |
=== New Jersey === |
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New Jersey recorded a rainfall amount of {{Convert|5|in|mm}} by 15:00 UTC on October 27.<ref name="CNN1">{{Cite web|author=Monica Garrett, Jason Hanna and Dave Hennen|title=As nor'easter drenches the East Coast, thousands have lost power and high winds threaten more outages|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/26/weather/noreaster-tuesday/index.html |
New Jersey recorded a rainfall amount of {{Convert|5|in|mm}} by 15:00 UTC on October 27.<ref name="CNN1">{{Cite web|author=Monica Garrett, Jason Hanna and Dave Hennen|title=As nor'easter drenches the East Coast, thousands have lost power and high winds threaten more outages|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/26/weather/noreaster-tuesday/index.html|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=CNN|date=October 26, 2021 }}</ref> Many places around the state experienced flash floods as a result of the rain, while the [[Saddle River (New Jersey)|Saddle River]] overflowed its banks, generating six to seven feet (1.83 to 2.13 meters) of water near the basin.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 26, 2021|title=Roads Flood, Rivers Overflow As Nor'easter Dumps Heavy Rain On New Jersey|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/10/26/new-jersey-noreaster-flood-watch/|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=CBS New York|language=en-US}}</ref> The southbound lanes of [[New Jersey Route 17]] closed as a result.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flooding Closes Route 17 South In Saddle River: Police |url=https://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/flooding-closes-route-17-south-saddle-river-police |access-date=November 16, 2023 |publisher=Patch |date=October 26, 2021}}</ref> In [[Union Beach, New Jersey|Union Beach]], more than a dozen water rescues were executed after vehicles were trapped by floodwaters.<ref name="CNN1"/> Trees were also felled by strong winds across the area, with one instance in Morris County killing a woman and wounding another. A tree also fell on a house, causing minor damage.<ref name="topples trees">{{Cite news|date=October 27, 2021|title=Nor'easter Topples Trees In New Jersey And New York City, Residents Worried About Others Coming Down|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/10/27/tree-onto-car-in-fort-greene-noreaster/|access-date=November 5, 2021|work=CBS New York|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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=== Massachusetts === |
=== Massachusetts === |
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Over 500,000 customers lost electricity in Massachusetts, due to the nor'easter.<ref name="MassachusettsImpact1">{{Cite web|author=Emily Shapiro and Max Golembo|title=Deadly Nor'easter's heavy rain and wind knocks out power to nearly 600,000|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/noreasters-heavy-rain-wind-knocks-power-600000-customers/story?id=80812039|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=ABC News|language=en}}</ref> A peak wind gust of {{convert|113|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was recorded in [[Truro, Massachusetts|Truro]], along with {{convert|103|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Duxbury, Massachusetts|Duxbury]], and {{convert|97|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Wellfleet, Massachusetts|Wellfleet]].<ref name="enormous waves" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://breakingweather.net/powerful-noreaster-delivers-damaging-winds-and-heavy-rain-to-new-england-and-beyond/|title=Powerful Nor'easter Delivers Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain to New England and Beyond|work=BreakingWeather|date=October 28, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://mesowest.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/meso_base_dyn.cgi?product=&past=1&stn=F6034&unit=0&time=LOCAL&day1=27&month1=10&year1=2021&hour1=14|title=Weather Conditions for F6034|publisher=University of Utah|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=WeatherFlowCHAS|author=Shea Gibson|url=https://twitter.com/WeatherFlowCHAS/status/1453309217000116228|number=1453309217000116228|title=Wow! Strongest gusts at our sensors: Duxbury, MA: 103mph at 5:15AM. Height = 40ft AGL. Wellfleet, MA: 92mph at 4:10AM. Height = 20ft AGL, 88ft ASL. Scituate, MA: 97mph at 5:37AM. Height = |
Over 500,000 customers lost electricity in Massachusetts, due to the nor'easter.<ref name="MassachusettsImpact1">{{Cite web|author=Emily Shapiro and Max Golembo|title=Deadly Nor'easter's heavy rain and wind knocks out power to nearly 600,000|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/noreasters-heavy-rain-wind-knocks-power-600000-customers/story?id=80812039|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=ABC News|language=en}}</ref> A peak wind gust of {{convert|113|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was recorded in [[Truro, Massachusetts|Truro]], along with {{convert|103|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Duxbury, Massachusetts|Duxbury]], and {{convert|97|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Wellfleet, Massachusetts|Wellfleet]].<ref name="enormous waves" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://breakingweather.net/powerful-noreaster-delivers-damaging-winds-and-heavy-rain-to-new-england-and-beyond/|title=Powerful Nor'easter Delivers Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain to New England and Beyond|work=BreakingWeather|date=October 28, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://mesowest.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/meso_base_dyn.cgi?product=&past=1&stn=F6034&unit=0&time=LOCAL&day1=27&month1=10&year1=2021&hour1=14|title=Weather Conditions for F6034|publisher=University of Utah|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=WeatherFlowCHAS|author=Shea Gibson|url=https://twitter.com/WeatherFlowCHAS/status/1453309217000116228|number=1453309217000116228|title=Wow! Strongest gusts at our sensors: Duxbury, MA: 103mph at 5:15AM. Height = 40ft AGL. Wellfleet, MA: 92mph at 4:10AM. Height = 20ft AGL, 88ft ASL. Scituate, MA: 97mph at 5:37AM. Height = 34ft AGL. Block Island Jetty, RI: 85mph. Height = 35ft AGL/ASL. @NWSBoston @NWSNewYorkNY|publisher=Twitter|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref> [[Martha's Vineyard]], [[Massachusetts]] reported a wind gust to {{convert|94|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and [[Scituate, Massachusetts|Scituate]] reported a gust of {{convert|87|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="bomb cyclone" /> Unofficial wind gusts of 110 mph in [[Wellfleet, Massachusetts|Wellfleet]] and 107 mph in [[Provincetown]] were recorded at exposed coastal locations.<ref>{{cite report|url= |
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https://marepam.org/events/oct2021/|title=October 2021 Nor'easter Special Wind Reconnaissance Mission|publisher=Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM)|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url= |
https://marepam.org/events/oct2021/|title=October 2021 Nor'easter Special Wind Reconnaissance Mission|publisher=Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM)|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url= |
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https://marepam.org/events/oct2021/XMRPMSPECI10262100_FullData.pdf|title=Full tabular data for XMRPMSPECI10262100 (Wellfleet, MA)|publisher=Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM)|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref> The system also brought heavy rainfall to the state, causing flooding. Its subsequent wind gusts felled trees, blocking several roadways and causing the widespread power outage.<ref name="MassachusettsImpact1"/> Small boats were also washed ashore by the storm, and the nor'easter brought strong seas to the state. Some homes were also damaged as trees fell on them.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Photos: See the aftermath of Massachusetts' first nor'easter of the season|author=Mihiro Shimano and Mia McCarthy|url=https://www.boston.com/news/weather/2021/10/27/photo-scenes-from-first-noreaster/|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=www.boston.com|language=en-US}}</ref> A plane was damaged at the [[New Bedford Regional Airport]] after being blown off the runway. In [[Hingham, Massachusetts|Hingham]], a large tree brought down wires.<ref name="bomb cyclone" /> [[Brockton, Massachusetts|Brockton]] also received over 300 calls for help, along with its mayor declaring a state of emergency starting on October 27. Shelters were also opened to accommodate potential evacuees. Ferry services were affected, with very restricted operations permitted.<ref name="MassachuseetsImpact2">{{Cite web|author=John R. Ellement, Martin Finucane, Jeremy C. Fox, Colleen Cronin, Travis Andersen, Emily Sweeney, Tonya Alanez, Andrew Brinker, Julia Carlin, Jenna Russell and Shannon Larson|title='If you need to go out, be careful': After nor'easter blasts coast, thousands may wait days for electricity|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/27/metro/power-outages-reach-387000-schools-closing-delays-during-morning-commute-storm-with-wind-gusts-80-miles-an-hour-one-gust-hit-94-miles-an-hour/|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=BostonGlobe.com|language=en-US}}</ref> |
https://marepam.org/events/oct2021/XMRPMSPECI10262100_FullData.pdf|title=Full tabular data for XMRPMSPECI10262100 (Wellfleet, MA)|publisher=Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM)|date=October 27, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021}}</ref> The system also brought heavy rainfall to the state, causing flooding. Its subsequent wind gusts felled trees, blocking several roadways and causing the widespread power outage.<ref name="MassachusettsImpact1"/> Small boats were also washed ashore by the storm, and the nor'easter brought strong seas to the state. Some homes were also damaged as trees fell on them.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Photos: See the aftermath of Massachusetts' first nor'easter of the season|author=Mihiro Shimano and Mia McCarthy|url=https://www.boston.com/news/weather/2021/10/27/photo-scenes-from-first-noreaster/|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=www.boston.com|language=en-US}}</ref> A plane was damaged at the [[New Bedford Regional Airport]] after being blown off the runway. In [[Hingham, Massachusetts|Hingham]], a large tree brought down wires.<ref name="bomb cyclone" /> [[Brockton, Massachusetts|Brockton]] also received over 300 calls for help, along with its mayor declaring a state of emergency starting on October 27. Shelters were also opened to accommodate potential evacuees. Ferry services were affected, with very restricted operations permitted.<ref name="MassachuseetsImpact2">{{Cite web|author=John R. Ellement, Martin Finucane, Jeremy C. Fox, Colleen Cronin, Travis Andersen, Emily Sweeney, Tonya Alanez, Andrew Brinker, Julia Carlin, Jenna Russell and Shannon Larson|title='If you need to go out, be careful': After nor'easter blasts coast, thousands may wait days for electricity|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/27/metro/power-outages-reach-387000-schools-closing-delays-during-morning-commute-storm-with-wind-gusts-80-miles-an-hour-one-gust-hit-94-miles-an-hour/|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=BostonGlobe.com|language=en-US}}</ref> |
Latest revision as of 10:22, 13 October 2024
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
as the October 2021 nor'easter | |
Formed | October 25, 2021 |
Meteorological history | |
as Tropical Storm Wanda | |
Formed | October 30, 2021 |
Post-tropical | November 7, 2021 |
Dissipated | November 7, 2021 |
Nor'easter | |
Highest winds | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
Highest gusts | 90 mph (150 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 973 mbar (hPa); 28.73 inHg |
Maximum rainfall | 8.69 in (220.7 mm) at Baiting Hollow, New York |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 60 mph (95 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 983 mbar (hPa); 29.03 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | ≥2 |
Damage | >$200 million (2021 USD) |
Areas affected | Southern United States, East Coast of the United States, Bermuda, Atlantic Canada, Azores |
Power outages | >600,000 |
IBTrACS / [1][2][3][4] | |
Part of the 2021–22 North American winter and the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season |
The October 2021 nor'easter, which eventually became Tropical Storm Wanda, was an erratic nor'easter and tropical cyclone that struck the East Coast of the United States, and meandered across the northern Atlantic Ocean in early November 2021. The powerful extratropical cyclone affected much of the East Coast, causing significant flooding in areas which were previously affected by hurricanes Henri and Ida.[5][6] As Wanda, the cyclone was the twenty-first and final tropical cyclone of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. The system originated from a non-tropical mid-level trough that moved across the Southern United States on October 24–25, and moved out into the Atlantic, where a well defined area of low pressure formed. This quickly became a bomb cyclone off the East Coast of the United States on October 27, causing flooding and bringing powerful gale-force winds to the region in the process. Then, on October 30, after weakening and moving eastward out into the Atlantic, the system acquired subtropical characteristics and was given the name Wanda. By 12:00 UTC on November 1, the system transitioned into a tropical storm. Over the next several days, Wanda meandering well west of the Azores, before curving southward and then accelerating northeastward, before degenerating into a post-tropical cyclone on November 7, several hours before merging with a frontal system.
The nor'easter caused over $200 million (2021 USD) in damage in the Northeastern United States, and two storm-related deaths were reported. More than 600,000 customers across the region were without electrical power at the height of the storm. There were no reports of deaths from Wanda.
Meteorological history
[edit]On October 24–25, a non-tropical mid-level trough moved across the Southern United States and out into the Atlantic, where a well defined area of low pressure formed.[1] The National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring the disturbance on October 24, noting that it could potentially develop into a subtropical or tropical cyclone several days later.[7] The extratropical low that produced the nor'easter (which later transitioned into Tropical Storm Wanda) formed on October 25, about 140 mi (220 km) southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina, when the eastern part of the trough began interacting with the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The following day, the low proceeded to move northeastward along the U.S. East Coast, ahead of another trough. There it deepened, and its structure improved, as it absorbed another extratropical low over the Northeastern United States, which was located to the west.[1] The nor'easter became a bomb cyclone[8] on October 26–27, when its central barometric pressure dropped from 996 mbar (29.41 inHg) to 973 mbar (28.73 inHg) over a 24 hour period. During this time, at 00:00 UTC on October 27, the system also reached its peak strength with sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h), while located about 125 mi (205 km) east-southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.[1]
The nor'easter was making a counterclockwise loop while rapidly intensifying, and when completed, it gradually weakened while moving out to sea. Embedded within a trough as it began moving eastward late on October 27, the NHC rated the five-day probability of it becoming subtropical as low (less than 40%). Late on October 29, the system began acquiring subtropical characteristics, following a flare-up of convection in its northern region. Then, at 12:00 UTC on October 30, Subtropical Storm Wanda formed about 595 mi (955 km) south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. That same day, Wanda's generally eastward movement came to an abrupt stop, and the sheer decreased, which provided an opportunity for it to gain strength. Consequently, it was able to reach its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 983 mbar (29.03 inHg) at 12:00 UTC on October 31.[1]
Though Wanda moved over slightly warmer waters on November 1, it was weakened some by renewed sheer and entrainment of dry air. Nonetheless, the system transitioned into a fully-tropical storm at 12:00 UTC that day, about 950 mi (1,530 km) west-southwest of the Azores. After turning east, then northeast early on November 2, the storm produced a large burst of convection. Several hours later, however, Wanda entrained more dry air, which degraded the convection. On the next day, now following a northerly track, Wanda generated another burst of convection. This brought the storm over cooler 68–70 °F (20–21 °C) waters, where its sustained winds fluctuated between 45 and 50 mph (75 and 85 km/h) into November 4. Even so, Wanda was able to maintain some convection around its center during this time. Wanda turned southward on November 5, due to a narrow, strengthening ridge to the northwest.[1]
Late on November 6, Wanda began accelerating northeastward, as it began interacting with a larger extratropical cyclone approaching from the west over the northern Atlantic. The resulting wind shear stripped away Wanda's remaining convection, and it became a post-tropical cyclone by 12:00 UTC on November 7, while located about 430 mi (695 km) west-northwest of the Azores. Several hours later, the cyclone merged with an approaching frontal system and dissipated.[1]
Preparations
[edit]This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2021) |
Northeastern United States
[edit]More than 100 schools closed in Cape Cod, Massachusetts in advance of the nor'easter.[8] The Governors of New Jersey and New York declared states of emergency, with the National Weather Service issuing flash flood watches and flash flood warnings across the Northeastern United States.[9] New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had storm drains cleared and sandbags deployed. Multiple school districts closed across New Jersey, in anticipation of the flooding.[10] Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, declared a state of emergency for the storm early on October 25. As a precaution, schools were shuttered, and flash flood warnings were issued across the state.[11]
Impact
[edit]According to Aon Benfield, damage from the nor'easter was estimated at over $200 million across the Northeastern United States.[2] Additionally, two storm-related deaths were reported.[4] At the height of the storm, over 600,000 customers lost power in the Northeastern United States.[1][12][13]
New Jersey
[edit]New Jersey recorded a rainfall amount of 5 inches (130 mm) by 15:00 UTC on October 27.[14] Many places around the state experienced flash floods as a result of the rain, while the Saddle River overflowed its banks, generating six to seven feet (1.83 to 2.13 meters) of water near the basin.[15] The southbound lanes of New Jersey Route 17 closed as a result.[16] In Union Beach, more than a dozen water rescues were executed after vehicles were trapped by floodwaters.[14] Trees were also felled by strong winds across the area, with one instance in Morris County killing a woman and wounding another. A tree also fell on a house, causing minor damage.[17]
Massachusetts
[edit]Over 500,000 customers lost electricity in Massachusetts, due to the nor'easter.[12] A peak wind gust of 113 mph (182 km/h) was recorded in Truro, along with 103 mph (166 km/h) in Duxbury, and 97 mph (156 km/h) in Wellfleet.[3][18][19][20] Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts reported a wind gust to 94 mph (151 km/h) and Scituate reported a gust of 87 mph (140 km/h).[8] Unofficial wind gusts of 110 mph in Wellfleet and 107 mph in Provincetown were recorded at exposed coastal locations.[21][22] The system also brought heavy rainfall to the state, causing flooding. Its subsequent wind gusts felled trees, blocking several roadways and causing the widespread power outage.[12] Small boats were also washed ashore by the storm, and the nor'easter brought strong seas to the state. Some homes were also damaged as trees fell on them.[23] A plane was damaged at the New Bedford Regional Airport after being blown off the runway. In Hingham, a large tree brought down wires.[8] Brockton also received over 300 calls for help, along with its mayor declaring a state of emergency starting on October 27. Shelters were also opened to accommodate potential evacuees. Ferry services were affected, with very restricted operations permitted.[24]
New York
[edit]In New York State, the body of a missing kayaker was found, after he tried to cross Long Island Sound ahead of the nor'easter.[25] A flash flood emergency was issued for the Finger Lakes region of New York. Delaware, Otsego, and Sullivan counties experienced flooding. Peak winds of 52 mph (84 km/h) and 60 mph (97 km/h) were recorded in New York State and Connecticut, respectively.[14] The storm dropped a maximum total of 8.69 in (221 mm) of rain in Baiting Hollow, New York. Other daily rainfall records were set in Islip, New York at 4.47 inches (114 mm), JFK Airport at 3.24 inches (82 mm), and Bridgeport, Connecticut at 2.87 inches (73 mm).[26] Portions of the Bronx River Parkway closed due to the flooding,[27] and the Staten Island Railway was suspended for 3 hours between Huguenot and Tottenville.[28]
Elsewhere
[edit]In Rhode Island, the storm cut the power to 92,000 customers.[3] In Maine, over 25,000 customers experienced power outages.[13]
See also
[edit]- Weather of 2021
- Tropical cyclones in 2021
- List of storms named Wanda
- Timeline of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season
- 1991 Perfect Storm – another nor'easter that became a tropical cyclone
- October 2017 North American storm complex
- Tropical Storm Melissa (2019) – affected the same areas and transitioned from a subtropical to a tropical storm off the East Coast of the U.S.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h Reinhart, Brad; Berg, Robbie (February 23, 2022). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Wanda (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ a b Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (October 31, 2021). "Subtropical Storm Wanda forms, exhausting the Atlantic list of storms". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
- ^ a b c Adriana Navarro; Alyssa Smithmyer (October 27, 2021). "Nor'easter sends enormous waves crashing over homes". AccuWeather. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ a b Hughes, Clyde; Uria, Daniel (October 27, 2021). "Deadly nor'easter knocks out power for more than 500,000 in N.Y., New England". United Press International. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Harrison, Andrew (October 26, 2021). "Nor'easter does not cause severe issues across Hopewell Valley". Retrieved October 28, 2021.
- ^ Cappucci, Matthew; Samenow, Jason (October 26, 2021). "Intensifying nor'easter lashing Northeast with flooding rain and high winds". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
- ^ Zelinsky, David (October 24, 2021). Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Cappucci, Matthew; Samenow, Jason (October 27, 2021). "'Bomb cyclone' brings 90 mph gusts to New England; hundreds of thousands without power". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
- ^ Steve Almasy (October 26, 2021). "New Jersey and New York issue states of emergency ahead of nor'easter". Cable News Network. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
- ^ "Tri-state region feeling effects of heavy rain, high winds powerful Nor'easter". abc7NY. October 26, 2021. Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
- ^ Jeff Goldman (October 26, 2021). "Fierce nor'easter to soak N.J. with up to 6 inches of rain. Flooding, gusty winds in latest update". nj.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ a b c Emily Shapiro and Max Golembo. "Deadly Nor'easter's heavy rain and wind knocks out power to nearly 600,000". ABC News. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ a b Kevin Bryne, Nicole LoBiondo. "Major nor'easter clobbering Eastern Seaboard with heavy rain and wind". Accuweather. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ a b c Monica Garrett, Jason Hanna and Dave Hennen (October 26, 2021). "As nor'easter drenches the East Coast, thousands have lost power and high winds threaten more outages". CNN. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ "Roads Flood, Rivers Overflow As Nor'easter Dumps Heavy Rain On New Jersey". CBS New York. October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ "Flooding Closes Route 17 South In Saddle River: Police". Patch. October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ "Nor'easter Topples Trees In New Jersey And New York City, Residents Worried About Others Coming Down". CBS New York. October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ "Powerful Nor'easter Delivers Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain to New England and Beyond". BreakingWeather. October 28, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ Weather Conditions for F6034 (Report). University of Utah. October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ Shea Gibson [@WeatherFlowCHAS] (October 27, 2021). "Wow! Strongest gusts at our sensors: Duxbury, MA: 103mph at 5:15AM. Height = 40ft AGL. Wellfleet, MA: 92mph at 4:10AM. Height = 20ft AGL, 88ft ASL. Scituate, MA: 97mph at 5:37AM. Height = 34ft AGL. Block Island Jetty, RI: 85mph. Height = 35ft AGL/ASL. @NWSBoston @NWSNewYorkNY" (Tweet). Retrieved November 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ October 2021 Nor'easter Special Wind Reconnaissance Mission (Report). Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM). October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ Full tabular data for XMRPMSPECI10262100 (Wellfleet, MA) (PDF) (Report). Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM). October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ Mihiro Shimano and Mia McCarthy. "Photos: See the aftermath of Massachusetts' first nor'easter of the season". www.boston.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ John R. Ellement, Martin Finucane, Jeremy C. Fox, Colleen Cronin, Travis Andersen, Emily Sweeney, Tonya Alanez, Andrew Brinker, Julia Carlin, Jenna Russell and Shannon Larson. "'If you need to go out, be careful': After nor'easter blasts coast, thousands may wait days for electricity". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Matt Spillane; Eduardo Cuevas (October 27, 2021). "UPDATE: Body of missing Mamaroneck kayaker found as nor'easter whips through New York". Lohud. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ "How much rain did NY, NJ, CT get from nor'easter?". FOX5NY. October 27, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
- ^ Storm Wreaks Havoc On Westchester County Parkways, But Oft-Impacted Mamaroneck Escapes Mostly Unscathed, CBS News, October 26, 2021
- ^ Rain Leaks Into Rockefeller Center Station, Riders Call On MTA To Invest In Subway Station Upgrades, CBS News, October 26, 2021
External links
[edit]- The NHC's Advisory Archive on Tropical Storm Wanda
- 2021 meteorology
- Atlantic tropical storms
- 2021 Atlantic hurricane season
- Tropical cyclones in 2021
- Nor'easters
- Subtropical storms
- Hurricanes in the United States
- 2021 natural disasters in the United States
- Hurricanes in New Jersey
- Hurricanes in New York (state)
- Hurricanes in Rhode Island
- Hurricanes in Massachusetts
- 2021 disasters in Canada