Just as New Yorkers emerge from summer’s second heat wave Thursday, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the area, warning that intense rainfall could quickly overwhelm drains and streets and potentially cause “localized, severe flooding.”
“A slow-moving frontal system will bring the potential for scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding, particularly for the NYC/NJ metro area and Long Island this afternoon into tonight,” the NWS said in an early-morning update.
The flood watch will be in effect from 2 p.m. Thursday until 8 a.m. Friday, when periods of moderate to locally heavy rainfall are expected.
While rainfall totals across the area are expected to range between 1.5 and 3 inches, some locations could see up to 5 inches, forecasters said.
Widespread rain is forecast across much of the state through late Thursday evening. Portions of the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island could see the heaviest rain, with the highest rainfall rates expected between 2 p.m. and midnight. Flash flooding is possible, officials warn.
Rainfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour in some areas across the five boroughs, parts of Long Island, as well as Union, Essex and Hudson counties in New Jersey, according to the NWS.
“New Yorkers, be prepared for a serious storm to arrive later this afternoon,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a social media post just before 10 a.m. Thursday. “A Flood Watch begins at 2 PM, and we’ve issued a Travel Advisory for today and tomorrow,” Adams said.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is warning residents of the southern part of the state to be prepared to respond to potential flash flooding.
“Stay tuned to local news for real-time updates on flooding; know your evacuation route and plan; follow evacuation orders and heed local warnings; [and] never walk or drive through flood waters,” the agency said.
Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock over an adult, according to the NWS. About 12 inches of moving water can carry away most cars, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks, the agency warns.
Originally Published:
