Quick Read
- A coastal flood statement was issued for eastern New Jersey and New York waterfronts.
- The advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
- Areas along the Passaic River and New York Bay could see up to half a foot of water.
- Impacts are expected to be “brief” and “minor” according to the National Weather Service.
- Affected regions include Essex, Hudson, Union counties in New Jersey, and parts of Staten Island, Brooklyn in New York.
NEWARK (Azat TV) – The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood statement on Saturday, January 31, 2026, warning of potential “brief” and “minor” flooding along the eastern waterfronts of several New Jersey and New York areas beginning Sunday morning, February 1. The advisory, which takes effect from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Sunday, highlights a shift in focus from broad weather forecasts to immediate local impact as high tides and storm-surge timing align.
Affected areas in New Jersey include Essex County’s eastern waterfronts, specifically parts of Belleville and Nutley along the Passaic River, as well as Newark. Hudson and Union counties were also named in the statement. Across the Hudson River, portions of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York are also subject to possible inundation from the Passaic River and New York Bay, according to the National Weather Service.
Coastal Flood Statement Details
The statement, issued shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, details that vulnerable areas could see up to half a foot of water spilling above ground level. Despite the potential for water to reemerge as tides ebb and flow along the coastline into early Monday, the overall impact is expected to be “brief” and “minor,” as confirmed by the service’s website.
Affected New Jersey, New York Areas
The advisory specifically targets communities bordering key waterways. In New Jersey, this includes municipalities in Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, with particular attention to areas of Belleville and Nutley that abut the Passaic River. Newark’s proximity to both the Passaic River and New York Bay also places it within the scope of potential minor flooding. Across state lines, parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn are also identified as facing similar risks.
National Weather Service Advisory Context
Officials from the National Weather Service clarified that while an oncoming storm will remain too far out in the Atlantic to bring significant snow to New Jersey, its influence is sufficient to generate coastal flooding conditions. This scenario underscores the complex dynamics of weather systems, where even distant storms can trigger localized impacts through tidal and surge effects, necessitating specific advisories for public awareness and safety.
The issuance of a specific coastal flood statement, even for minor impacts, reflects a proactive approach by meteorological agencies to ensure public awareness and mitigate potential disruptions, however brief, in densely populated coastal regions.