Heavy rain, winds lashing New York : NYC issues travel advisory

The New York City Emergency Management Department has updated its Travel Advisory , as a strong storm impacts the region. Several National Weather Service products have been issued for this storm, including an expanded High Wind Warning that now includes all of New York City.

High Wind Warning

The citywide High Wind Warning is in effect from 6:00 p.m. today to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. Southeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are expected inland, with winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts as high as 70 mph expected along the coast. The period of strongest winds will be from about 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. According to the updated National Weather Service warning, widespread power outages are now expected. Downed trees and limbs may obstruct roads and damage properties. Unsecured outdoor items may blow away or be damaged. Travel may be very difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. New Yorkers are urged to promptly secure or move loose items indoors and prepare for power outages.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch remains in effect citywide from 6:00 p.m. today to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday. Rain may start off light this afternoon with heavy rain developing in the evening and continuing through early Wednesday morning. The heaviest rainfall is expected between 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., with spotty showers possible through about noon. Thunderstorms and lightning will also be possible overnight. The forecast calls for citywide rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches at rates around 0.5 inch/hour, with locally higher amounts and rates possible. A rising high tide this evening in New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay may coincide with the onset of heavy rain, resulting in compound flooding along vulnerable roadways near the shoreline, which may create travel disruptions for the evening commute. Additional impacts include widespread minor flooding and localized flash flooding of roadways and properties overnight, with residual flooding possible during the Wednesday morning commute. Areas adjacent to the Bronx River may see significant flooding overnight and Wednesday morning due to snowmelt and heavy rain occurring upstream.

Coastal Flood Warning

A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. A Coastal Flood Statement has been issued for the Bronx and northern Queens from 7:00 p.m. to midnight tonight. Minor coastal flooding with 0.5 foot of inundation is possible this evening, which may be exacerbated by heavy rain. Widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected tomorrow morning, with up to 2 to 2.5 feet of inundation possible along shorelines in Warning areas, and 1 to 2 feet of inundation possible in Advisory areas. This may result in widespread flooding of roadways, properties, basements and first floor structures, numerous road closures, and flood-damaged vehicles, especially for southern Queens and Jamaica Bay tomorrow morning. The tide will peak around 7:00 a.m. tomorrow in New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay, and around 10:00 a.m. in the Long Island Sound. Large breaking waves of 10 to 15 feet and high surf are also likely at Atlantic-facing beaches, resulting in significant dune erosion and overwash.

“As the city braces for heavy rain, potential coastal flooding, and significant winds to impact the tri-state region later today, New Yorkers need to take the necessary precautions to remain safe throughout the duration of this weather event and avoid going outside during the peak of the storm,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

New York City Emergency Management, in response to the forecasted weather, has activated the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, and coordinated calls with the National Weather Service, partner agencies, as well as utility companies to ensure a unified and coordinated response.

NYC Emergency Management strongly encourages all New Yorkers to take proactive steps to ensure their own safety and support the city’s resilience:

• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation whenever possible. Expect delays with little to no notice. If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. Turn around, don’t drown. Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
• If it is safe to do so, clear debris from catch basins to prevent street flooding. Be sure to wear gloves & watch out for traffic. You can also report a clogged catch basin by calling 311.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
• If you live in a basement apartment, or in a low-lying, flood-prone, or poor drainage area, be prepared to move to higher ground or leave your apartment should conditions worsen.
• New Yorkers should report tree conditions including downed trees and limbs to 311; in cases of true emergency, call 911.