East Coast Storm Aftermath: 3 Dead, 600,000 Struggle Without Power

On December 18, 2023, a lot of trees fell in Marshfield, Massachusetts due to strong winds and rain.Photo byGreg Derr/The Patriot Ledger/USAToday Network

A powerful storm wreaked havoc in the Northeast, leaving over 600,000 customers without power across seven states. Maine bore the brunt with 429,000 outages, followed by Massachusetts with 133,000.

The relentless rain, floods, and gusty winds led to treacherous conditions on the roads, resulting in three storm-related deaths. An 89-year-old in Massachusetts was killed by a fallen tree; another person died in Maine while trying to clear debris; and in New York, a driver lost their life in floodwaters.

New York City faced disruptions with power outages, fallen trees, and flooded streets, prompting Mayor Eric Adams to issue a travel advisory.

On December 18, 2023, after a significant downpour, a car and a fire truck are buried in floodwaters on Lamont Street in Elmsford, New York.Photo byKena Betancur/Getty Images

The storm caused over 500 flight cancellations, severely affecting airports like LaGuardia in NYC and Logan International in Boston. School closures occurred in areas like Essex County, New York, and Worcester County, Massachusetts, due to dangerous road conditions and power outages.

While New York City saw a break in the rain, New England continued to grapple with ongoing precipitation. Strong winds along the coast, potentially reaching hurricane force in northern Maine, pose the greatest threat by Monday evening.

The storm’s impact wasn't confined to the Northeast; it brought heavy rainfall to Florida and record-breaking floods to South Carolina, with some areas experiencing up to 16 inches of rain within hours, causing significant neighbourhood flooding. Charleston witnessed its highest "non-tropical" tide on record, accentuating the extent of the storm's impact.