Fog on the Hudson and Nor'easter Season on the Waterfront
Late fall brings two waterfront weather staples to Jersey City: morning fog over the river and the start of the nor'easter season.
Stand on the Jersey City waterfront on a still late-autumn morning and you may see the Manhattan skyline disappear entirely. Fog forms over the Hudson River when cool air moves over relatively warmer water, or when moist air cools overnight along the riverbanks. It can reduce visibility sharply for ferries, drivers and pedestrians, then lift quickly once the sun and wind pick up.
For commuters, fog is mainly a patience issue. Ferries may slow for visibility, and drivers crossing the bridges and tunnels into the city should use low-beam headlights, leave extra following distance and avoid sudden lane changes. PATH and rail riders are less affected, but walking and cycling to stations along the waterfront calls for extra visibility on foggy mornings, including lights and bright clothing.
November also sits at the start of the season when nor'easters become a regular concern along the New Jersey coast and in New York Harbor. These coastal storms, named for their strong northeasterly winds, can bring heavy rain, coastal flooding at high tide, beach erosion and wind damage. Not every system becomes a major storm, but waterfront neighborhoods should treat forecasts seriously when one approaches.
In Jersey City, the places most exposed to high water are the lowest stretches along the Hudson and the Hackensack River, along with underpasses and roadways that have flooded in past storms. Residents in those areas benefit from knowing the forecast high-tide times, moving cars from the lowest spots when flooding is expected, and keeping basic supplies on hand during any major coastal storm.
The good news is that both fog and nor'easters are forecast well in advance by modern standards, except for the exact thickness of a given morning's fog. Check the National Weather Service forecast for the New York and New Jersey harbor area the night before a commute, build in extra time when advisories are posted, and give the river its due respect. The waterfront is Jersey City's front porch, and in late fall its weather sets the terms.
