By COLlive reporter
To make it on time, you may want to leave early.
The New York City Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for Friday, July 8, as heavy rains and gusty winds could limit visibility and create difficult travel conditions throughout the day.
As many people travel to spend Shabbos in Upstate New York, it would be advisable to make the trip on Thursday instead of risking the delay on Erev Shabbos.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for NYC from midnight to 12 p.m. on Friday. It has the potential to create hazardous travel due to Tropical Storm Elsa.
The heaviest rain is expected to begin around 2 a.m. and continue through mid-morning Friday, with a total of 2 to 3 inches expected. Gusty winds are also in the forecast with sustained winds 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph along the immediate coastline.
A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon prior to Elsa’s arrival and again tomorrow afternoon after Elsa has passed.
The National Weather Service has also issued a high rip current statement for Brooklyn and southern Queens through this evening. A high-risk level means life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting beaches should stay out of the surf.
“The tropical storm has the potential to cause flooding, high winds, and damaged property as it moves over the City,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani. “New Yorkers must take time to prepare and take the appropriate precautions if they must move about the city during the storm.”
They recommended avoiding driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
VIDEO:
New Yorkers are encouraged to report clogged catch basins and areas of standing water to 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).
