NYC Emergency Management Issues Weather Alert for Potential Heavy Rain Sunday Night into Monday Morning.

August 16, 2026

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NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR POTENTIAL HEAVY RAIN SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING

Showers and Thunderstorms could Produce Locally Heavy Downpours and Isolated Flooding

NEW YORK - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Sunday night, August 16, into Monday morning, August 17. According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms could produce locally heavy downpours, with minor urban and poor-drainage flooding possible and a localized risk of flash flooding.

The greatest risk for locally heavy rainfall and isolated flash flooding is expected late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Heavier downpours could affect overnight travel and the Monday morning commute. NYCEM has activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the National Weather Service (NWS) and City agencies to monitor conditions and prepare for potential impacts.

"As the weekend comes to a close, New Yorkers should expect to see showers and thunderstorms that could produce heavy downpours and flash flooding in certain areas-with the highest risk coming later this evening and into tomorrow," said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. "We have activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan and City agencies are prepared for potential impacts and ready to jump into action as needed. New Yorkers should also take steps to prepare now. Stay vigilant, sign up for Notify NYC and check in on your neighbors."

"We could see changing weather conditions Sunday evening into Monday morning, including periods of heavy rain that may affect travel," said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. "Give yourself extra time, never enter a flooded street, and pay close attention to conditions if you live in a basement or other low-lying area. Taking a few steps to prepare now can make the morning safer and easier."

According to the National Weather Service, most of Sunday is expected to remain dry before showers move into the region this evening. Initial rainfall is expected to be primarily light to moderate, although an isolated thunderstorm or heavy downpour is possible.

Additional showers and a few thunderstorms are expected overnight into early Monday as a warm front and area of low pressure approach the region. Locally heavy downpours are possible, particularly across the New York City metropolitan area if the system tracks farther north.

The NWS Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City in a Marginal Risk, Level 1 of 4, for excessive rainfall and flash flooding tonight. The NWS identifies minor urban and poor-drainage flooding as the primary concern, with a localized flash flood risk, particularly closer to the coast.

Current forecasts call for approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches of rain across much of the area, with locally higher amounts possible in heavier downpours. Brief rainfall rates approaching 1 inch per hour may occur during thunderstorms.

The highest risk for locally heavy rain and isolated flash flooding is expected late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Rain should begin to taper Monday morning, although scattered showers and an isolated thunderstorm may redevelop Monday afternoon or early evening.

Southerly winds will also increase Sunday, with winds of approximately 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to around 30 mph possible. New Yorkers should secure loose outdoor objects and use additional caution while traveling during periods of heavy rain.

New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Allow extra time for overnight travel and the Monday morning commute.
• 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.
• Secure loose outdoor objects before winds increase.
• 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.

A moderate rip current risk is also expected at New York City ocean beaches Sunday and Monday. Beachgoers should follow instructions from lifeguards and avoid entering the water at unguarded beaches.

Forecast conditions remain dependent on the track of the warm front and associated low-pressure system. A farther-north track could increase the potential for locally heavy rainfall across New York City. A track farther south would favor lighter rainfall.

NYC Emergency Management will continue coordinating with the NWS and City agencies as conditions develop.

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 have the option of signing up for a basement alert option and choose to receive alerts by phone call. To enroll in these additional alert options, visit nyc.gov/notify.

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

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