New York City and its surrounding areas are bracing for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding.
In response, the New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We have serious rain coming our way,” Mayor Eric Adams posted on X late Tuesday afternoon. “Avoid travel if you can.”
According to forecasts, a storm will stall over the region, bringing “isolated showers and thunderstorms” which produce heavy rainfall and flooding — as much as 2 inches per hour.
Heavier showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop as the evening wears on and continue well into Wednesday, with the worst impacts occurring overnight. Those storms could create powerful wind gusts that lead to power outages.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said around 5,600 utility workers were on call in case they need to repair damage to the electrical system.
Long Island and the Hudson Valley are expected to see similar conditions, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
Warnings were also issued for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Passaic and Union counties in New Jersey for Tuesday night.
Departing and arriving flights were delayed at LaGuardia and JFK airports late Tuesday afternoon and into the evening as a result. Delays were reported at Newark as well.
The NWS predicts the heaviest rain will occur southwest of the city, with 2 to 5 inches of rain.
More rain could fall if the storm stalls out directly over the metro area, which could result in flash flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
The rush hour commute Tuesday night was already affected, with delays and disruptions to service expected to continue into Wednesday morning.
⛈️ Locally – 3 to 5 inches of rain are possible where numerous thunderstorms move over the same area. Much of this will fall in a 3-6 hour period through midnight. The highest threat area is circled in the picture. pic.twitter.com/D3q9FjCXp8
— NYS Div. of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (@NYSDHSES) August 6, 2024
New Yorkers are encouraged to take public transportation if they must travel and are urged not to walk, bike or drive in flooded areas.
“I would say when this starts, you do not want to be on the roads. With flash flooding, conditions change so rapidly, and you can end up in a vehicle — just a small amount of rain can turn your vehicle into a boat, and you are washed away,” Gov. Hochul said. “That is the tragedy that happens in these storms, when people are just going about their everyday lives, and not taking extreme precautions.”
People in basements or apartments below street-level should be prepared to move to higher ground.
“Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy,” the city cautioned.
Anyone with a disability or who uses life-preserving equipment that loses power should call 911 immediately.
My administration is closely monitoring today’s storm downstate and deploying resources to keep New Yorkers safe.
We’re calling on all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and watch the forecast closely over the next several days. pic.twitter.com/tE9xhwbjJ3
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 6, 2024
More severe weather could occur later this week as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move into the region as well.
“I’ve said this before. This is our new normal, because of climate change,” Gov. Hochul said Tuesday. “As the leader of this state, it’s all about being prepared in advance, with the early warning systems we have which went off this morning with great intensity.”
Originally Published:
