NYCEM Advises New Yorkers to Prepare for Strong Winds, Heavy Rain, and Potential Coastal Flooding

Emergency Management


Press Release


#39-23
DECEMBER 9, 2023

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR STRONG WINDS, HEAVY RAIN, AND POTENTIAL COASTAL FLOODING

December 9, 2023 — The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch in effect citywide from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday for 2 to 3 inches of rain. A High Wind Watch is also in effect for Brooklyn and Queens from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday for sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.

A strong frontal system will impact the area Sunday morning into Monday, with the window of greatest potential impact expected from Sunday evening to early Monday morning. Heavy rain may lead to flood conditions, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Isolated instances of flash flooding cannot be ruled out, resulting in the potential for traffic disruption and delays. Major flooding is not expected.

Winds will be breezy during the day Sunday and ramp up in the evening with peak gusts of up to 60 mph possible through early Monday morning. Downed trees and power lines could produce widespread power outages, particularly along the coast.

Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding will also be possible during the Monday morning high tide, with the potential for above-ground inundation of up to 1.5 feet along vulnerable shorelines.

“While New Yorkers are no stranger to inclement weather, we want to remind residents to keep an eye on the forecast and remain prepared.” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We are preparing for heavy rains and strong winds Sunday night into Monday morning, which means everyone should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings in the event of potential flooding conditions in low lying areas. As always, we encourage everyone to sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed on the latest weather information based on where you are. New Yorkers should take comfort in knowing that their city is looking out for them and we are preparing to ensure this weather event causes as few disruptions as possible.”

“Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in New York City from early Sunday evening into early Monday morning,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “A Flood Watch and a High Wind Watch are already in effect, and additional warnings may be issued over the weekend. Rainfall flooding may lead to traffic disruptions and delays, and the high winds could produce widespread power outages. This strong storm may also result in minor to locally moderate coastal flooding along vulnerable shorelines during the Monday morning high tide. We are not anticipating major impacts to the Monday morning commute at this time, but we urge New Yorkers to exercise caution when traveling. Please allow for extra travel time and consider using public transportation. Sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed with the latest weather updates. We are actively coordinating with our agency partners, monitoring evolving conditions, and responding to impacts to ensure the city's preparedness and safety."

New York City Emergency Management, in response to the forecasted weather threat, has coordinated calls with the National Weather Service, partner agencies, as well as infrastructure companies. In preparation for the rain, New York City Emergency Management has activated its Flash Flood Plan. For access to timely and accurate updates, New Yorkers should sign up for the City’s emergency alert system Notify NYC and follow NYC Emergency Management on social media.

Safety Tips

Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.

If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

If you live in a basement apartment in a flood prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.

Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.

Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are 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 Notify NYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest-priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs. You can also follow @NotifyNYC or @nycemergencymgt on Twitter.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office press@oem.nyc.gov, (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

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