The remnants of Hurricane Ian will impact the greater New York City region starting Friday night.
The clouds will continue to thicken in the evening and then showers will begin and turn into heavier rain overnight in New Jersey.
New York City Emergency Management has issued a weather advisory through the weekend. According to the National Weather Service periods of heavy rain are possible beginning early Saturday morning until about noon, which may cause localized flooding in the city, including highways, streets, basements, and underpasses. Rain will begin to taper off Saturday afternoon with lingering showers possible through early Monday morning. Winds are expected to increase through the weekend with peak gusts up to 45 mph on Sunday afternoon. During periods of heavy rain, seek higher ground or, if in a basement, move to a higher floor. City agencies have taken action to clean catch basins and remove street litter in the event heavier rain occurs.
Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is also possible at all vulnerable shoreline locations starting Sunday, October 2, through Tuesday, October 4. The areas that may see locally moderate flooding are Jamaica Bay and the Long Island Sound.
“We ask that New Yorkers monitor the weather this weekend before traveling and use mass transit when possible. We understand how a minor shift in direction or speed of a storm can lead to higher amounts of rainfall,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We are in constant contact with our partners at the National Weather Service — monitoring for any potential changes to a storm’s course, but don’t wait until it’s too late. If you live in an area susceptible to flooding, have a plan.”
The New York City Emergency Management Department is monitoring the storm and will rapidly respond to any potential impacts throughout the city. The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan is activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flooding that does occur. NYC Emergency Management works closely with NYPD, FDNY, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to mitigate the impact of flash floods. New Yorkers are encouraged to report clogged catch basins and areas of standing water to 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).
NYC Emergency Management has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, they said.
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.
