Nor'easter bears down on US East Coast with 60 mph winds and flood threat

A potent nor'easter is bearing down on the United States East Coast, threatening millions of residents with wind gusts of up to 60 mph, significant flooding and the prospect of widespread power outages through the weekend.

Boston, New York, Norfolk, Atlantic City and Nantucket are among the cities and towns expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Forecasters warn that wind speeds of between 50 and 60 mph in the worst-affected areas could bring down trees and cause extensive damage to property and infrastructure.

Heavy and persistent rain is forecast to compound the danger, raising the risk of flooding in coastal and low-lying communities already vulnerable to storm surge. Residents across the Northeast have been urged to prepare for potential disruptions to power supplies and transport networks as the system moves through the region over the coming days.