Nor'easter pushes high tides inland on Long Island, flooding streets in Long Beach and Freeport

# What happened A nor'easter moved along the Northeast coast and produced strong onshore wind, rain and elevated tides that pushed water inland across parts of Long Island's South Shore. Roads and neighborhoods in Long Beach and Freeport experienced flooding during the morning high tide cycle.

# Where flooding occurred Flooding was documented in multiple South Shore locations. In Freeport, Seabreeze Park near the Nautical Mile saw water creeping higher, with roads and nearby homes affected. In Long Beach, large waves along the shoreline coincided with street flooding as tides pushed bay water through storm drains and into neighborhoods.

# Timing and local conditions Residents reported a rapid rise in water levels beginning around 8:30 a.m. Floodwaters surged during the high tide and had largely receded by late morning after the tide passed. Strong wind, rain and a full moon contributed to higher-than-normal tide levels and rough surf.

# Resident responses and impacts Some residents took immediate steps to protect property and personal safety. Boat owner Rich Kaider slept on his 44-foot vessel overnight to keep watch and planned to do so again the following night. A Long Beach resident, Neil Walsh, described water surging up through storm drains and then receding a few hours later: "It comes and goes. Long Beach is the best place in the world, but it stays like these where you just pray to God the water doesn't come in the house."

Surfers entered the rough surf at times, and other community members navigated flooded streets by kayak or paddleboard where roads were impassable. Even after waters pulled back, visible signs of earlier flooding remained.

# Infrastructure and safety issues Scattered power outages were reported in several communities. Saturated ground and gusty winds brought down branches and, in some cases, whole trees. Officials urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert to changing conditions, avoid flooded roads, and remain indoors while tides and the weather continued to change.

# Ongoing concerns Residents and local officials remained concerned about another approaching high tide and the potential for additional flooding. The combination of strong onshore winds, a full moon and post-storm conditions increased the risk of repeat inundation and erosion along beaches and bay shores.

# Practical takeaways for residents

• Monitor local tide forecasts and weather advisories for timing of the next high tide.

• Move valuables and electrical equipment off the floor where repeated flooding is possible.
• If you boat in the area, secure vessels and consider staying aboard if necessary, as some boat owners did.

# What officials are saying

# Bottom line The nor'easter produced a pronounced, though temporary, inland push of water during the morning high tide that flooded streets and low-lying areas in Long Beach and Freeport. Conditions eased for many after the tide passed, but the threat of further flooding, power interruptions and coastal erosion remained while the storm system affected the region.