NYC Emergency Management Issues Travel Advisory for Rain and Thunderstorms for Thursday, August 20, 2026

August 26, 2026

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NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Periods of Rain and Thunderstorms Could Produce Localized Heavy Rainfall and Damaging Wind Gusts

NEW YORK - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Travel Advisory for Thursday, August 27, as periods of rain and thunderstorms could bring locally heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts to the city.

In the latest forecast by the National Weather Service (NWS), showers and thunderstorms are possible beginning late Thursday morning and continuing off and on through the evening. The greatest chance for rain and thunderstorms is currently expected between approximately 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Rain chances are expected to taper overnight, although an isolated shower remains possible through midday Friday. New York City is under a Flood Watch from noon until 11 p.m. tomorrow.

"New Yorkers should be prepared for periods of rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, particularly during the afternoon and evening," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "The forecast does not currently indicate a widespread flooding event, but thunderstorms can develop quickly and produce heavy rain and strong winds in a short period of time. Check conditions before traveling, avoid flooded streets and other flooded areas, and stay informed by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692."

"Thursday's forecast has several elements we are watching closely, including thunderstorms and the potential for heavier rain to repeatedly affect the same locations," said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. "Most New Yorkers will likely see a period of wet and unsettled weather, but localized conditions can become more hazardous quickly under a strong thunderstorm. New Yorkers should monitor the forecast, allow additional travel time, and be prepared to change plans if conditions worsen."

The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City under a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding, Level 2 of 4, for Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has also placed the New York City area under a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms, Level 1 of 5. No excessive rainfall or severe weather risk is currently forecast for Friday.

Current forecasts call for 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain across the area, with localized totals up to 2.5 inches possible where isolated thunderstorms develop. Higher totals are more likely north and west of New York City, slightly lower amounts currently forecasted across southern Brooklyn and Queens. Rainfall rates are generally expected to remain below 0.5 inches per hour, but thunderstorms could produce brief periods of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour.

Localized flash flooding is possible where isolated downpours move over, but low-lying and poor-drainage areas are at highest risk, particularly Thursday afternoon and early evening. Thunderstorms may also produce damaging wind gusts and small hail. The overall severe weather risk remains low, but an isolated stronger storm could produce wind gusts up to 65 mph.

NYCEM is coordinating with the NWS and City agencies ahead of Thursday's weather to monitor the forecast and issue emergency weather updates through Notify NYC. The City's Flash Flood Plan was activated on Wednesday at 8:00 AM, and the Downed Tree Task Force has been placed on alert to support any potential tree removal operations.

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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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

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