NYC, Tri-State residents urged to prepare for heavy rain, flash flooding on Monday

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Monday, July 6, 2026 1:22AM

ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A flood watch is in effect for the entire area through Monday night, as any repeated downpours during the next 24-36 hours can cause flash flooding.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) are urging New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and localized flash flooding beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Monday.

Tune in Eyewitness News This Morning starting at 4:30 a.m. for the very latest.

"City workers are doing everything possible to prepare for this storm - clearing catch basins, inspecting flood-prone neighborhoods, reaching out to New Yorkers living in basement apartments and positioning emergency response teams across the five boroughs," Mamdani said. "Now it's time for all of us to do our part. Limit travel if you can, plan for delays and take these warnings seriously. If heavy rain begins, if the winds pick up or if you hear thunder - get inside and wait out the dangerous conditions. Check on your neighbors, especially anyone living in a basement apartment, to make sure they have a plan and the information they need to stay safe."

The city is urging New Yorkers to take the following precautions:

Limit travel during heavy rain and thunderstorms. If you must travel, exercise caution and never walk or drive through floodwaters. Take public transit whenever possible.

If you live in a basement apartment, ground-floor home or an area that has flooded before, make a plan now. Know where you will go if your home starts to flood, whether that's a neighbor on a higher floor, a nearby public building or the home of a friend or family member. Safe overnight locations are available in every borough by calling 311. Sign up for basement alerts at on.nyc.gov/basements.

During high winds, stay indoors if possible, avoid downed power lines and trees and secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and other loose items.

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or trapped by rising water.

Report downed trees, blocked catch basins and other non-emergency hazards to 311.

LONG ISLAND

On Long Island, a state of emergency was issued in the Town of Hempstead, effective from 6 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Tuesday, as the dangerous weather approaches.

All clinics, outdoor lessons, outdoor recreation classes and swimming lessons are canceled Monday, July 6. Rain dates will be scheduled where applicable.

Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, never drive through flooded roadways, secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices and bring pets indoors. If you encounter a downed power line, stay away from it and report outages to PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075.

Please reserve 911 for true emergencies so first responders can quickly assist those in immediate need. In the event of a downed tree, please fill out the Storm Response Form at hempsteadtown.com/storm.