NYC Emergency Management Issues Travel Advisory Warns of Weekend Thunderstorms and Potential Travel Impacts

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December 18, 2025

NYCEM ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY, WARNS OF WEEKEND THUNDERSTORMS AND POTENTIAL HOLIDAY TRAVEL IMPACTS

New York - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) issued a Travel Advisory for Thursday night into Friday and advised New Yorkers to plan ahead for a period of heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible minor coastal flooding expected to impact the city from late Thursday night through Saturday, with the greatest impacts likely on Friday and during the Friday morning commute. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a citywide wind advisory from late Thursday night through Friday night and several coastal flooding advisories.

"As New Yorkers head into the holiday season, they should experience winter weather with a travel advisory issued for Thursday into Friday," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "New York City agencies have been coordinating and are prepared for this system, and we continue to monitor conditions closely. New Yorkers should all prepare too - avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you do need to travel, stay alert to changing conditions, and sign up for Notify NYC for real-time information updates."

"This is a busy holiday travel weekend for many New Yorkers, and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms could slow travel across the city, especially on Friday," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "Checking the forecast before heading out and being flexible with plans can help avoid unnecessary delays. We're asking people to give themselves extra time, take it slow on the roads, and stay aware of changing conditions so they can get where they're going safely."

A weather system passing north of New York State will push a long cold front through the city Thursday night into Friday. Light drizzle and scattered showers may begin around midnight Thursday, with steadier rain developing by about 4:00 a.m. Friday.

There is a general thunderstorm risk starting Friday morning and continues into early Saturday. These storms could bring brief but intense downpours and gusty winds, which may slow road, rail, and air travel.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 1.5 inches are expected across the city, with isolated areas possibly seeing up to 2 inches where thunderstorms develop. Stronger storms could produce nearly 1 inch of rain per hour, or higher. This could lead to localized street flooding, particularly in low-lying or poor-drainage areas.

Coastal flooding is possible Friday morning, with the greatest risk in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and southern Queens, where minor to locally moderate flooding is possible in the most vulnerable shoreline areas. Manhattan, the Bronx, and northern Queens could also see brief minor coastal flooding.

NYCEM urges New Yorkers to allow extra travel time, especially during the Friday morning commute, use mass transit, and to use caution if driving during heavy rain. Residents should avoid flooded areas, secure loose outdoor items, and stay informed by subscribing to Notify NYC.

Have a Plan
-Avoid all flooded roads and subway stations. Turn around, don't drown. Do not enter floodwaters.
-Limit travel during the storm. If travel is unavoidable, allow extra time and use caution.
-If you live in a basement or below-grade unit, be ready to leave quickly if water rises inside. Know your exit routes.
-Stay indoors during thunderstorms and away from windows.
-Move vehicles to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.
-If safe to do so, clear catch basins, drains, and gutters near your home before the storm or call 311 to report clogged catch basins. This can reduce localized flooding.
-Check on neighbors who are older adults or who may need help. Make sure any disability or access needs are included in your emergency plan.
-Plan for pets. Bring them with you if you need to leave your home.
-If you are a property owner or manager, ensure sump pumps work. Know how to shut off appropriate utilities safely.

Gather Supplies
-Store important documents in waterproof containers. Maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to confirm flood coverage.
-Charge your phone and devices. Have backup power. Set refrigerators and freezers to colder settings if outages are possible.
-Keep flashlights and a battery-powered radio ready. Have extra batteries.
-If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment and lose power, call 911. Never use a generator indoors.
-Make sure anyone in your home who needs medications, mobility support, or medical equipment is prepared.

Stay Informed
-Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents.
-Monitor real-time flood information at floodnet.nyc.
-Keep a battery-powered radio available if power is lost.
-Stay away from downed power lines. Treat them as live and call 911 if they are causing a life-threatening situation.
-To report downed trees in NYC, call 311. For life-threatening emergencies involving a tree, such as one blocking a road or near power lines, call 911 immediately.
-For the latest updates, visit NYCEM's website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311.

For the latest updates, visit NYCEM's website, check for preparedness and response tips at nyc.gov/beready, and sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or calling 311.

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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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