The missing swimmer
The vibes were off at Robert Moses State Park on Saturday as a massive nor'easter hammered the coast. Around 2:30 p.m., a man was spotted in the water near Field 3, but he never made it back to shore. New York State Police are currently leading the search for the swimmer, who is described as a white male in dark shorts. Officials had to press pause on the search once it got dark Saturday night, but they’re set to get back out there Sunday. If you have any leads on someone who went to the beach and hasn't checked in, reach out to local authorities.
The storm's toll
Real talk, this storm is no joke. The National Weather Service reported waves averaging 18 feet with swells hitting 25 feet, and wind gusts clocking in over 60 mph. It’s giving major danger, and sadly, it’s already turned fatal.
Leighton Brown, a 56-year-old worker for NYCHA, passed away after a tree was brought down by the high winds at the Cypress Hills Houses in Brooklyn. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but unfortunately didn't make it. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared his condolences on X, saying, "May his service to our city never be forgotten."
Staying safe
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially declared a state of emergency for the lower counties. The message is simple: stay out of the water. The storm is expected to be at its worst through Sunday morning as an upper-level vortex merges with the cyclone, hitting coastal areas with full force.
Beyond the water, the wind is causing absolute chaos. As of 4 a.m. Sunday, nearly 17,000 customers in Suffolk County and 2,000 in Nassau were stuck in the dark without power. Please, just stay inside and away from the shoreline until the weather settles.
Why it matters
This nor'easter is a dangerous reminder of how quickly conditions can change during extreme weather. With the storm bringing everything from life-threatening rip currents to power-killing winds, authorities are warning everyone to take the danger seriously—no cap, it's not worth the risk to your life.
