Forecasters are warning of the potential for heavy rain centered around the NYC area from Friday into Saturday morning.
A flood watch is in effect from midnight Friday through 6 a.m. Saturday for New York City, western and central New Jersey, as well as along the Jersey Shore, where rainfall rates could be up to an inch per hour.
Parts of these areas are expecting five or more inches of rain.
The National Weather Service cautions that if you are in a basement, prepare to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain. Heavy rainfall may cause rapid flooding to basements.
“New York City will be under a flood watch starting tomorrow and we urge New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and potential flooding throughout Friday and Saturday morning,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “All New Yorkers need to exercise caution. If you must travel, consider using public transportation and allow for extra travel time, and if you must drive, do not enter flooded roadways. If you live in a basement apartment, especially in a flood prone area, be prepared to move to higher ground.”
NYC Emergency Management and its partners have activated the Flash Flood Plan and are working with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions. Crews from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation are inspecting and cleaning catch basins in neighborhoods and roads vulnerable to flooding. For access to timely and accurate updates, New Yorkers should sign up for the City’s emergency alert system Notify NYC and follow NYC Emergency Management on social media.
Heavy rainfall & potential flash flooding is beginning tonight & continuing through tomorrow night in the Hudson Valley, in New York City, & on Long Island.
Parts of these areas are expecting five or more inches of rain. It’s important to take steps now to stay safe. pic.twitter.com/cbJYAdTcnL
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 28, 2023
