Travel Advisory issued in NYC Monday into Tuesday due to severe weather, rain
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The New York City Office of Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory for Monday afternoon into Tuesday due to severe weather.
Keep your umbrella handy through the day and into Tuesday evening as heavy downpours push through the region.
RELATED: Get the latest AccuWeather forecast.
The MTA announced it is taking precautions for heavy rain and the risk of flooding by sending crews to clear drains, prepare equipment and be strategically positioned to quickly respond to flooding or other weather challenges.
For the subway, New York City Transit will strategically pre-position weather-response teams, including track and signals specialists, at key locations.
Crews will prepare and fuel two trains capable of high-capacity pumping, two trains designed for debris clean-up, and additional emergency trucks and emergency response equipment including track pumps and chainsaws.
To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding that do occur, crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response.
Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles.
For the Metro-North Railroad, crews will be called in to safeguard tracks, communications systems, signals, and power early Tuesday morning to ensure smooth service for the morning rush.
Drainage crews and track department personnel will maintain drainage structures on a continual basis. Should trees be blown across tracks, the railroad is prepared to respond quickly to clear debris and restore tracks.
Safety Tips
If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain.
If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.
If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance.
Exercise caution when traveling. Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers the roadway as the water depth may be too great to allow you to cross safely. Use mass transit if possible.
When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Avoid flooded subway stations.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live.
Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
Prepare for Power Outages
To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.
If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.
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