A flash flood watch is in effect for New York City from 8 p.m. on Monday through Tuesday at 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, and New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory. Total rainfall through Tuesday evening is expected to be between two and five inches, with a rainfall rate of 0.25-0.5 inch an hour, though the rate could climb to 1 inch an hour. It may continue through Wednesday.
The periods of heavy rainfall are expected from 12 a.m. on Tuesday until 5 p.m. later that day, with winds up to 20-30 mph and winds gusts up to 40 mph. Acting Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew D'Amora said, "This event may cause flooding in the city, including on highways, streets, underpasses, as well as other poor drainage or low-lying spots. New Yorkers should give themselves additional travel time and take the appropriate precautions if they must move about the city during the storm.”
Emergency Management is also activating its "flash flood emergency plan" and is coordinating efforts to remove downed trees and clear catch basins across the city. Further, the city offers safety tips, including a warning to those living in a basement apartment—"be prepared to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain." They also issued their standard warning to "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" (more here).
The remnants of Hurricane Ida shocked the New York and New Jersey with flash flooding in September, leaving dozens dead across the region and families without homes. The tragedy also raised questions about the safety of New York City's basement apartments and underlying infrastructure's vulnerabilities to flooding.
Update: The city is now asking New Yorkers to help clear catch basins if they see they are clogged:
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is issuing a state of emergency for the state at 8 p.m. Monday.
This story has been revised to reflect that the NWS now projects up to 5 inches of rain.
