Mayor Mamdani urges NYC residents to prepare for flooding

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management urged New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and localized flash flooding Monday.

The greatest risk of heavy rain and flash flooding is expected during Monday's morning commute, from now through 10 a.m.

More scattered thunderstorms could still trigger localized flash flooding in some areas into Monday evening.



The city is urging New Yorkers to take the following precautions:

Limit travel during heavy rain and thunderstorms. If you must travel, exercise caution and never walk or drive through floodwaters. Take public transit whenever possible.

If you live in a basement apartment, ground-floor home or an area that has flooded before, make a plan now. Know where you will go if your home starts to flood, whether that's a neighbor on a higher floor, a nearby public building or the home of a friend or family member. Safe overnight locations are available in every borough by calling 311. Sign up for basement alerts at on.nyc.gov/basements.

During high winds, stay indoors if possible, avoid downed power lines and trees and secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and other loose items.

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or trapped by rising water.

Sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.

Report downed trees, blocked catch basins and other non-emergency hazards to 311.

• Visit http://nyc.gov/beready for emergency preparedness guidance.

The MTA is also urging commuters to take caution and plan extra travel time

"Now it's time for all of us to do our part. Limit travel if you can, plan for delays and take these warnings seriously. If heavy rain begins, if the winds pick up or if you hear thunder, get inside and wait out the dangerous conditions," Mamdani said.
"Check on your neighbors, especially anyone living in a basement apartment, to make sure they have a plan and the information they need to stay safe."

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Forecasters expect multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms capable of producing two to three inches of rainfall across much of the city, with isolated areas receiving up to six inches where storms repeatedly track over the same locations.

Rainfall rates could reach two to three inches per hour, creating the potential for rapid flash flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods and areas with poor drainage.



Mayor Mamdani activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan, directing city agencies and partners to take proactive steps to reduce flood risks and coordinate emergency operations.

The city is also dealing with several downed trees across the region, including in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

The tree was caught in some power lines, covered a car and blocked cars from passing by on Dean and Rochester.

The extreme heat and storms over the holiday weekend created power outages. Most were restored by Con Ed, but some were still being worked on.

Sidewalks were flooded from Bay Parkway to 74th Street. Cars and buses did their best to make their way through shallow water.

LONG ISLAND

On Long Island, a state of emergency was issued in the Town of Hempstead, effective from 6 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Tuesday, as the dangerous weather approaches.

All clinics, outdoor lessons, outdoor recreation classes and swimming lessons are canceled Monday, July 6. Rain dates will be scheduled where applicable.



Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, never drive through flooded roadways, secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices and bring pets indoors. If you encounter a downed power line, stay away from it and report outages to PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075.

Please reserve 911 for true emergencies so first responders can quickly assist those in immediate need. In the event of a downed tree, please fill out the Storm Response Form at hempsteadtown.com/storm.

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