Flash flood warnings are in effect through midnight in the New York City area Monday.
The city’s Emergency Management service issued notice at 2 p.m. that low-lying area with poor drainage could be susceptible to high water. Thunderstorms were expected to hit in the late afternoon or early evening.
Heavy downpours causing localized flooding were cited at “the main hazard” Monday.
Authorities warned that rainfall rates could reach 1.5 inches per hour, with isolated totals up to 3 inches in some areas by Tuesday morning.Strong wind gusts were also seen as a concern.
Emergency services called flooding the city’s “top public health threat” in its Monday afternoon bulletin.
“Flash floods can turn streets into rivers and fill basements within minutes,” that warning said. “These floods often come with little or no warning and can be deadly.”
Residents in basement apartment are particularly at risk under such conditions.
Accuweather warned that a cloudy, but humid 85-degree day could bed with “heavy” evening thunderstorms accompanied by sudden flooding and damaging winds.
Flight delays were reported at airports along the East Coast due to bad weather. The FAA reported late Monday afternoon that departure traffic destined for LaGuardia Airport would be held until after 6:15 p.m. Newark International Airport also saw departures delayed.
