New Yorkers urged to prepare for another weekend of heavy rain

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Saturday, October 7, 2023

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Heavy rain is expected to hit our area once again this weekend. This will mark the fifth weekend in a row with measurable rain in Central Park, according to the National Weather Service.

A cold front is expected to bring showers and isolated thunderstorms to Long Island and New York City, among other regions Saturday.

Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers Friday to prepare for the heavy rainfall and potential for flash flooding. The eastern portion of New York is expected to be hit the hardest by the downpours.

This will mark the fifth weekend in a row with measurable rain in Central Park, according to the National Weather Service. Josh Einiger has more on how New Yorkers are preparing.

Hochul advised New Yorkers to prepare their households and vehicles, and to use extra caution while traveling.

"We are keeping a close eye on a strong weather system that has the potential to dump more rain and cause more flooding this weekend in areas that are still recovering from last week's storms," Governor Hochul said. "I urge New Yorkers to monitor the weather this weekend but take steps now to prepare for heavy rain and flash flooding. State agencies will be standing ready throughout the storm to assist local governments as needed."

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol also advised residents to take safety measures in anticipation of heavy rainfall and flash flooding, beginning late Friday and continuing into Saturday.

"New York City does not wait for a storm to prepare - we are already several steps ahead," said Mayor Adams. "Our emergency management teams, first responders, and key city agencies are fully activated and tightly coordinated to face the coming rains head-on. I urge every New Yorker - especially those in areas more susceptible to flooding - to stay alert by signing up for Notify NYC now."

Iscol said the city has activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan.

Public officials are giving updates about the New York City's preparations ahead of this weekend's storm.

"Our primary concern is a six-hour period of moderate to heavy rain late Friday night through early Saturday afternoon," he said.

He urged New Yorkers, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, including below-grade living spaces or basements, to take precautions and sign up for emergency notifications via Notify NYC.

In response, Department of Environmental Protection officials handed out free flood barriers in Queens on Friday.

The reusable barriers help contain, control and divert flood water, and can be used to protect doorways, garages, driveways and landscaping.

The reusable barriers help contain, control and divert flood water, and can be used to protect doorways, garages, driveways and landscaping.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch citywide, effective Saturday from 2 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Our team of meteorologists is tracking an AccuWeather Alert for Saturday.

Most of the heavy rain is expected to fall Saturday morning and early afternoon, and by Sunday most of our area should dry out. The seven-day forecast is always available online.

Additional Safety Tips

Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.

If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

If you live in a basement apartment in a flood-prone area, prepare to move to a place higher than the flood waters if experiencing rising waters and/or if you receive a warning from Notify NYC or the National Weather Service.

Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.

Six inches of moving water can knock over an adult. Avoid stepping in floodwater if you see it.

Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults as well as people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications on the Notify NYC website at gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on social media.

New Yorkers should follow the National Weather Service forecast and guidance listed in watches, warnings, and advisories on the National Weather Service website.

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