NEW YORK (WABC) -- A Flood Watch is in effect for New York City and much of the Tri-State area as powerful storms are poised to hit the region starting Tuesday afternoon with significant rainfall and the potential for flash flooding.
The danger for disruption during this long-duration event is notable, with rain starting in the early afternoon, threatening the evening commute and continuing into the late evening.
Parts of the area could contend with rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, with rainfall totals on average of 2 to 5 inches. Some isolated areas could see even more rain, especially north and east of the city.
The key areas where the flood threat is greatest are northern New Jersey, New York City and the Hudson Valley, where there is a level 3 out of 4 risk for flash flooding.
The Flood Watch will continue through Wednesday morning. The coverage area includes the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Outside of New York City, Nassau County, Westchester County, Orange County, Putnam County, Rockland County are under the watch.
In New Jersey, the areas are Bergen County, Hudson County, Essex County, Passaic County and Union County.
In Connecticut, Fairfield and New Haven counties are under the watch.
On Wednesday, the rain continues but it will be more scattered and will favor areas east of the city.
Join Eyewitness News starting at 4 a.m. Wednesday for live coverage of the storms. Watch on TV or right here.
Airlines in the Tri-State area continued to cancel hundreds of flights due to the approaching storms and expected flooding.
As of 10 a.m. Tuesday:
Our Brittany Bell has been keeping a close eye on the approaching storms all morning. Here's here latest take on what's ahead:
The New York City Office of Emergency Management issued a travel advisory on Tuesday due to the approaching weather.
"A travel advisory is in effect, starting at 8am Tuesday July, 28 to 8am Wednesday, July 29. We are urging people to plan extra travel time and be cautious while traveling. 2-4 inches of rain is likely, citywide with locally higher amounts. Rainfall rates might exceed 2 inches per hour and could lead to flooding in some areas. If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to move to higher ground. Never drive or walk through flooded streets. If using public transportation do not enter flooded subway stations. Stay informed and up to date on weather updates. Sign up for @NotifyNYC at http://nyc.gov/notify or text 'notifynyc' to 692-692."
Mayor Mamdani also issued a message for New York City residents to prepare.
