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Storms exit after flash flooding; air quality improves | Live updates

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Last updated: Sunday, July 19, 2026 6:11AM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- After severe flash flooding walloped parts of New York City and New Jersey Saturday afternoon, the rest of the day's storms were not nearly as wild, with a cold front finally ushering in a much nicer air mass.

With the last of the storms gone, Sunday will be sunny and less humid and will feature better air quality, the skies significantly cleansed of noxious Canadian wildfire smoke. There will still be enough particulate matter in the air to be a problem for sensitive groups.

Central Park saw 1.62 inches of rain, but some areas had more, with Newark reporting 2.38.

Now, under Sunday's clear skies, areas hard-hit by the storm's flooding must focus on cleanup, as the city's aging infrastructure once again endured another test.

RELATED | Alerts, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service

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Jul 18, 2026, 7:27 PM GMT

Flash Flood Warning issued as severe storms move through Tri-State

A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for parts of New York City and New Jersey through 2 p.m. as strong thunderstorms move across the region.

The storms come after a smoky start to the day caused by Canadian wildfire smoke that once again pushed air quality into the unhealthy range. While the rain is expected to help clear the smoke, it also brings the threat of heavy downpours capable of causing flash flooding.

Residents in the warned areas should avoid driving through flooded roadways and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Additional strong to severe storms remain possible through the afternoon and evening.

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Jul 18, 2026, 7:27 PM GMT

NY State issues updated Air Quality Advisory for Saturday

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health issued an updated Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter for Saturday.

The updated advisory is as follows:

  • The Western New York, Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, New York City Metro, and Long Island Regions are forecast to reach Unhealthy.

  • The Adirondacks, Upper Hudson Valley, and Lower Hudson Valley Regions are forecast to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

    • The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter

    The advisory will be in effect: 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

    Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant even as air quality improved on Friday, stressing that conditions are expected to deteriorate again.

    "While air quality has improved in portions of the State throughout Friday afternoon, lingering effects of smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to impact air quality into Saturday," Hochul said."We expect rain to bring some much-needed relief to New Yorkers experiencing poor air quality over the weekend, but with it we may see the possibility of severe storms, flooding and tornados. I remind everyone to take this weather seriously: Take precautions, know what to do if a storm reaches your areas and remember to stay air quality aware to protect your health. Stay informed by checking trusted sources for air quality and weather forecasts, and don't forget to check on friends and family members who might need assistance."

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