Ophelia brings heavy rain, potential for dangerous flooding throughout Tri-State
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Ophelia may be no longer be a tropical storm, but its remnants continue to bring showers across the Tri-State area.
All Tropical Storm Warnings and Storm Surge Warnings have been canceled. Ophelia's aftermath will be slow to clear-out -- meaning lingering clouds and rainy weather for much of our region.
Power companies across the Tri-State have reported at least 6,100 outages.
THE FORECAST
The National Hurricane Center says the primary risk of the storm system over the next couple of days will be the threat of floods from the rain. Many residents woke up to flooded streets on Sunday.
Rain arrived in the New York City early Saturday morning and AccuWeather says it will continue on and off through Sunday. Wind gusts of 35-45 mph are possible, especially along the coast.
Rough surf and some beach erosion is possible along with minor to moderate coastal flooding.
Reporter NJ Burkett captured a scary scene in Sandy Hook Bay after a kite boarder needed to be rescued from the dangerous water in exclusive video.
RELATED: Watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service
NEW YORK CITY
The rain forced some outdoor events to cancel or postpone. The Yankees-Diamondbacks game (Saturday, September 23) was one of those events. The game will be rescheduled for a yet-to-be-determined date.
The Global Citizens Festival in Central Park went on as planned.
The New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for the weekend. Heavy rain may cause urban flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
"New Yorkers should take precautions regarding the forecast for high winds and rain during our first fall weekend," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. "This weekend's weather is also a reminder that we are still in the middle of Atlantic Hurricane season and it is a great time to review your preparedness plan for your home or business, especially if you live in flood-prone areas."
For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages including American Sign Language. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or download the free app for your Android or Apple device
MASS TRANSIT
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employees will be deployed throughout the operating region checking flood-prone locations, pre-staging equipment, keeping signals, switches, and third rails operating, and attending to any weather-related challenges.
MTA personnel will monitor the subways and bus routes for known flooding situations, and have detours prepared.
The MTA says restrictions on bridges and tunnels may be put in place if weather conditions warrant.
NEW JERSEY
Parts of New Jersey have dealt with serious winds that have caused trees to topple over. Waves were up to 10 feet in Long Brand before they crashed down on the seawall.
In Margate, the annual fall festival was canceled this weekend. Organizers say the tents, stages and inflatables were just too risky with the expected severe weather.
Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans, who is also the city's emergency management coordinator, tells 6abc that they're monitoring the storm closely.
"We're expecting one tide cycle," said Evans. "So, what we've been doing is we've been getting all our high-water vehicles ready to go. Our public safety agencies have all been alert, looking at our staffing issues and making sure our equipment is up to par."
Evans said they're also concerned about the potentially powerful wind.
"I anticipate the vendors will probably not be on the streets tomorrow unless something dramatic changes with the forecast," said North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello. "They are moving the pipe exhibition inside North Wildwood Community Center tomorrow if everything goes okay. And hopefully, we'll be back out here on Sunday."
Tropical Storm Safety Tips
Take the following steps to ensure you and your loved ones are protected:
Develop a household disaster plan and know how to contact family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the "emergency family contact" and make certain all family members have the contact info.
Designate an emergency meeting spot - a familiar location where family can meet if the residence cannot be accessed.
Know hurricane and storm risks in your community.
If you live near coastal areas, learn about your area's storm surge history and your community's warning signals and evacuation plans, including safe routes inland and the location of official shelters.
Know where to relocate pets during a storm - most shelters will not allow pets.
Keep the following supplies on-hand:
Enough non-perishable food and water supplies for 10 days.
Battery-operated radios and flashlights and an ample supply of batteries.
A first aid with supply of medicines.
Important documents: Insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. in a waterproof container.
Cash, checkbook, credit cards and ATM cards.
An emergency contact list of people and organizations who may need to be called: schools, doctors, providers, and insurance contacts.
Take the following preventative measures:
Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
Repair loose and clear clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become projectiles in high winds. Also keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
Review insurance policies to determine extent of coverage before a storm strikes.
Determine where to move boats in an emergency.
Be aware of local weather conditions by listening to National Weather Service broadcasts on NOAA Weather Radio and reports from local television and radio stations.
Know how to turn off the power, heat and water at home.
Stay with Eyewitness News and the AccuWeather team for continuing updates on this storm.
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