NYC Emergency Management Issues Travel Advisory for Rain and Thunderstorms from Tuesday to Thursday

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

Severe Scattered Thunderstorms Could Produce Localized Flash Flooding in the Area

NEW YORK - The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Tuesday, September 1 through Thursday September 3. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to move through New York City on Tuesday and Thursday, with heavy downpours that could produce isolated to scattered flash flooding.

Today, light showers are expected to arrive this afternoon and continue off and on with non-severe thunderstorms possible through early Tuesday morning. Chances increase for scattered thunderstorms beginning Tuesday afternoon. The highest risk for more intense, potentially severe, scattered thunderstorms is expected between 2 p.m. through 11 p.m., which could impact the evening commute. Wednesday brings a break in thunderstorm potential but rain will likely continue periodically throughout the day. Thunderstorms are forecasted to return on Thursday, some of which have the potential to become severe. NYCEM has activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the NWS and City agencies to monitor conditions and prepare for potential impacts.

"Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are making their way to our city once again, with the worst conditions expected to hit during the evening commute on Tuesday," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "Our city agencies are out readying the city and mobilizing emergency teams, and New Yorkers should prepare too. Plan to stay inside during downpours, when winds are strong, and when you hear thunder. Look out for your neighbors and stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts. Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and stay vigilant amid conditions that can worsen quickly."

"New Yorkers should be prepared for several rounds of unsettled weather over the next few days," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell. "Periodic rain and severe thunderstorms are expected to impact New York City Tuesday through Thursday. Thunderstorms could bring heavier downpours, high winds, and localized flooding. New Yorkers should stay informed, allow extra time for travel, and be prepared to take precautions if conditions worsen."

The NWS Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City on a Marginal Risk (1 of 5) for excessive rainfall tonight through Thursday. This carries the potential for isolated flash flooding. Current forecasts call for approximately 0.25 - 0.75 inches of rain across New York City, with higher totals possible in localized areas.

Brief rainfall rates of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour are possible in stronger thunderstorms. Localized rainfall totals of approximately 2 inches are possible in areas that receive heavier downpours. Higher amounts cannot be ruled out in a low-probability scenario.

The greatest risk of heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding is expected late Tuesday afternoon and evening, including the evening commute, and also late Thursday morning and afternoon. Wednesday could bring more showers throughout the day.

Current forecast expects showers and thunderstorms to begin to taper off after approximately Thursday night.

New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Allow extra time for travel Thursday afternoon and evening and check weather and transit conditions before leaving.
• Avoid flooded streets, rooms, subway stations, and other flooded areas. Never drive, bike, or walk through floodwater. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide submerged hazards, openings, debris, and electrical dangers.
• If you live in a basement apartment or other below-grade space, stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to move to a higher floor or another safer location before flooding begins.
• Do not wait for water to enter your home before acting if conditions are worsening.
• If a Flash Flood Warning or other emergency instruction is issued for your area, follow official guidance immediately.
• Keep phones, medical equipment, and other essential devices charged.
• Check on family, friends, neighbors, older adults, and people who may need additional assistance before and during the storm.
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

NYC Emergency Management will continue to coordinate with the NWS and City agencies as conditions evolve. New Yorkers can find preparedness recommendations and guidance for excessive rainfall, flash flooding, thunderstorms, and other hazards at nyc.gov/beready, including steps to take before, during, and after an emergency.

New Yorkers should stay informed through official sources. Subscribe to Notify NYC for free emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. New Yorkers who live in basement apartments can sign up for a basement alert and choose to receive alerts by phone. To enroll in these additional alert options, visit nyc.gov/notify.

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