NYC Emergency Management Places NYC Coastal Communities Under Travel Advisory for Coastal Flooding

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NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLACES NEW YORK CITY COASTAL COMMUNITIES UNDER A TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR COASTAL FLOODING

September 19, 2024 - The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) today placed New York City communities under a Travel Advisory to elevate their readiness levels in anticipation of coastal flooding today, Thursday, September 19 until Monday, September 23. The agency recommends New Yorkers-particularly those residing or operating businesses in coastal areas-remain alert and take preparedness actions.

"Our team has been hard at work monitoring potential coastal flooding expected to impact our area this week through the weekend along our vulnerable shorelines and in low lying communities," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "Flooding could impact roads, parks, and some homes and businesses. Avoid parking in areas that typically flood and do not drive through flooded roads. This administration is ready, but we want New Yorkers to be ready too. As always, the best way to stay safe is to stay informed - so sign up for Notify NYC to get the latest up-to-date information, directly from the city."

"Despite the lack of rain, the combination of high tides, strong offshore winds, and a full moon will flood coastal areas in the next few days," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. "We urge New Yorkers near the coastline, especially in the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens, to tune in to emergency notifications and secure property near the waterfront. Avoid unnecessary travel or take public transit to steer clear of potentially closed roads. Prepare now to stay safe and dry this weekend."

Strong offshore winds in combination with a full moon will result in higher-than-normal water levels near and along the coast during several high tide cycles through Monday. Minor flooding is expected tonight, with minor to locally moderate flooding likely tomorrow and Saturday. Additional rounds of minor coastal flooding will be possible Sunday and Monday.

Tonight, Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Southern Queens, with about 1 foot of flooding expected in normally dry areas. For Friday mid-day, Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect for south Queens and the Bronx, while Advisories are in effect Brooklyn, Manhattan, north Queens, and Staten Island. Additional Advisories are possible across all city shorelines tomorrow night.

Coastal flooding on Saturday is expected to be similar to conditions on Friday. A Coastal Flood Watch is currently in effect for south Queens. No other watches, warnings, or advisories are currently in effect, however additional products could be issued. High tidal flood levels will decrease on Sunday and Monday, but additional Coastal Flood Advisories will be possible on both days.

In Watch and Warning areas, flood levels may rise to as high as 2 feet above normally dry ground. In Advisory areas, about 1 foot of flooding is expected. Flood may be widespread across low-lying areas near the shore. This includes roads, parking lots, parks, and waterfront homes or businesses with basements. Numerous road closures are expected, and vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront are at high risk of flooding. Flooding will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays. New Yorkers with vehicles in these areas are strongly urged to move them further inland to prevent damage.

Rip Current Statements are also in effect through Saturday. Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf.

NYCEM is collaborating with the National Weather Service and monitoring the latest forecasts, particularly the potential for coastal flooding. To ensure real-time awareness and a coordinated response, NYCEM is organizing specialized interagency briefings to keep essential stakeholders well-informed of emerging risks, fine-tune operational strategies specific to coastal flooding, and reinforcing its readiness for scaled-up emergency responses should conditions warrant. Critical assets and specialized units are on standby prepared for activation as conditions necessitate.

NYCEM recommends the following preparedness actions for New Yorkers for those in coastal flood-prone regions and low-lying areas:

• Relocate parked vehicles to higher ground or inland, ensuring they do not obstruct roadways or block emergency access.
• Communication and Information: Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts through various channels, including Notify NYC, available in 13 different languages, with a special sub-group dedicated to Basement Apartment Dwellers. Subscribe to Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app in your phone's app store, or dial 311. Keep a battery-powered radio ready for timely updates, particularly if power outages are expected.
• Gather Supplies: Every household member should have a Go Bag packed with essential items, such as bottled water, non-perishable food, and basic medical supplies.
• Tidal Awareness and Coastal Barriers: Monitor tide tables and storm surge forecasts. Know when high tides are expected in your vicinity and be prepared to adjust your plans. Where feasible, deploy sandbags or other deployables suitable for a residence to reduce the risk of tidal water intrusion.
• Watercraft and Boat Security: If you own boats or watercraft, secure or relocate them immediately. Fluctuating tides can not only carry them away but loose watercraft can cause additional damage.
• Storm Drains and Local Warnings: If it's safe to do so, check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding. Pay attention to localized warnings, especially those pertaining to rip currents and high waves.
• Beach Closures and Coastal Roads: Remain updated on any beach closures, as flooding can swiftly make these areas hazardous. Beaches are closed to swimming. Plan alternative travel routes to avoid low-lying coastal roads that may be susceptible to flooding.
• Home Safety and Utility Measures: Ensure your home's sump pumps are operational and familiarize yourself with how to safely shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity. If you reside in a basement or below-grade apartment, be particularly vigilant, as these areas are more susceptible to flooding. Follow City guidance for additional actions specific to below-grade dwellings. Subscribe to Notify NYC's Basement Apartment Dweller subgroup for key alerts.
• Document & Insurance Review: Secure essential documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to ensure you have specialized flood coverage, as standard policies often don't cover flood and wind damage. Consider enrolling in the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more at floodsmart.gov.
• Prepare for Outages: To gear up for potential power disruptions, keep your cell phones charged, stock up on supplies. If power outages are predicted, consider adjusting your refrigerator and freezer to colder settings to extend the shelf life of perishable items. Ensure that flashlights and battery-operated radios or TVs are functional, keeping extra batteries on hand. If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and lose power, dial 911 for immediate assistance, and remember never to use generators indoors. Check on vulnerable individuals in your community, such as older adults and people with disabilities or health conditions, and assist them in their preparations.
• Pet Safety: Make provisions for your pets' safety, including the need to leave your home and to take your pet with you.
• Plan for Special Needs & Check on Your Neighbors: Make it a point to check on neighbors who are older adults or who may require special assistance. If you have a disability or specific access and functional needs, make sure your emergency plan accounts for how these factors could impact your ability to respond quickly and communicate effectively during a crisis. Seek assistance from your family or service providers as needed.
• Avoidance and Caution: Do not venture into flooded areas. These zones may be contaminated or electrically charged. Take preemptive action by assembling a Go Bag with essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies.
• Documentation: When it's safe, contribute to our collective flood risk understanding by capturing and submitting photos via the MyCoast portal (mycoast.org/ny) or the MyCoast app. Don't forget to also file flood reports through 311.
• Real-Time Awareness: Stay updated on changing flood conditions by monitoring real-time flood depth via the FloodNet website (floodnet.nyc).

NYCEM will continue to provide New Yorkers with the most current information and guidelines as conditions develop.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/WeatherUpdates. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

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