Flood Watch issued for NYC as heavy rain set to move in overnight
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City Emergency Management is urging residents to prepare for heavy rain and possible flash flooding early Sunday as the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for New York City from 4 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 13.
The city will open 51 safe overnight locations at New York City public schools beginning at 10 p.m. Saturday for residents who need a safe place to stay, particularly those living in basement apartments or other below-grade dwellings. Service animals and pets will be allowed at the sites. Locations are available HERE and by calling 311.
Rain is expected to begin during the early morning hours Sunday and continue through midday, with the greatest potential for heavy rain and flash flooding between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Forecasts have increased since Friday, and the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City at a Slight Risk, Level 2 of 4, for excessive rainfall.
The National Weather Service expects 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across the city, with lower amounts on Staten Island and in western portions of the city and higher amounts farther east. Higher localized totals cannot be ruled out across eastern Brooklyn and Queens.
The heaviest rain is expected east of the city, where localized totals of 5 to 7 inches are possible across Nassau, Suffolk and southern Connecticut. Forecasters have not ruled out those higher amounts reaching the eastern edge of New York City.
City officials advised residents in eastern Brooklyn and Queens who live in basement apartments or homes that have flooded before to consider spending Saturday night in a safer location, such as an upper-floor apartment, the home of a friend or family member, or one of the city's safe overnight locations. Residents with disabilities, access, or functional needs are encouraged to call 311 for assistance.
NYC Emergency Management activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan on Thursday, Sept. 10, and city agencies are preparing for potential flooding impacts before conditions improve Sunday afternoon.
"Our crews are clearing catch basins, agencies are preparing and emergency teams will be working through the night while most of the city sleeps," said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. "If you live in a basement apartment, know your exits before you go to bed and be ready to move to a higher floor if conditions worsen. If you're driving Sunday morning, give yourself extra time and never drive through a flooded street. Check on neighbors who may need extra help, and make sure you can receive emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. A few simple steps tonight can help keep you and your neighbors safe tomorrow."
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said the storm could produce intense rainfall over a short period.
"Heavy rain can overwhelm streets and drainage systems in minutes, and the most intense rain is expected when many New Yorkers will be asleep," Farrell said. "The strongest storms Sunday morning could drop 2 to 2.5 inches of rain in a single hour. Do not wait until you see water rising to make a plan. If you live in a basement, below-grade space, or a home that has flooded before, know where you will go if you need to move to higher ground. Keep emergency alerts enabled and your phone volume on overnight. Basement apartment residents should also sign up at nyc.gov/notify and select the basement apartment option to receive automated phone calls during flooding. NYCEM will continue coordinating with the National Weather Service and City agency partners throughout the event."
Rainfall rates are generally expected to reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, with the strongest storms capable of producing 2 to 2.5 inches per hour. Officials said rainfall at those rates could overwhelm drainage systems and cause ponding on streets, along with isolated to scattered flash flooding. Low-lying areas, poor-drainage locations, underpasses, sections of highways and neighborhoods with a history of flooding may be especially vulnerable.
The primary period of concern begins in the early morning hours Sunday and continues through midday, when the rain is expected to move east of the city. Widespread strong winds are not expected, though thunderstorms Sunday morning may produce gusty winds. No tornado threat is anticipated at this time.
A front approaching Sunday evening may bring light showers, but officials said no flood threat is associated with that system. A moderate rip current risk is also in place at ocean-facing beaches Saturday and Sunday.
Officials advised residents to allow extra time for travel, avoid flooded streets and other flooded areas, keep essential devices charged, monitor weather alerts and check on neighbors and family members who may need assistance. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
