A strengthening nor'easter centered east of the mid-Atlantic coast is the dominant driver of elevated wave heights in New York Harbor through the September 23–28 window. Persistent northeast to north winds of 25–40 knots, with gusts to 55 knots under gale and storm warnings, have generated significant wave heights of 9–10 feet at NDBC buoy 44065 near the harbor entrance, with periods near 12 seconds and forecasts calling for 10–14 feet or higher in adjacent coastal waters. National Weather Service marine forecasts note waves of 3–6 feet inside the more sheltered harbor proper, though entrance and outer zones see substantially larger readings from the long-fetch onshore flow. The storm’s slow northward track and coincidence with spring tides around the full moon on the 26th are sustaining elevated water levels and wave energy, with peak conditions expected Saturday into Sunday before gradual subsidence. Traders should monitor updated NWS coastal waters forecasts and buoy observations for any late-period intensification or rapid weakening.