NYCEM Issues Weather Alert for Winds and Heavy Rain

Emergency Management


Press Release


#47-24

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN

High Winds and Minor Flooding may Disrupt the Wednesday Evening Commute

December 10, 2024 – The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) today issued a weather alert ahead of high winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms tomorrow, Wednesday, December 11. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued a citywide Wind Advisory in effect from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow.

Drizzle turns into steady light rain overnight tonight with periods of moderate showers and embedded thunderstorms tomorrow morning. Little to no impact is expected during this time, including during the morning commute.

A period of heavy downpours and potential severe storms is then expected between noon and 6 p.m. tomorrow. Heavy rain during this time may cause minor flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas, and may temporarily disrupt the evening commute. In addition, there's a low chance for severe thunderstorms to produce sudden, localized damaging wind gusts, which may result in downed trees and power outages. A few lingering showers will be possible through midnight Thursday, but the heaviest of the rain is expected to end before 6 p.m. Citywide rainfall totals of around 2 inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible.

Outside of thunderstorms, winds increase citywide out of the south tomorrow morning, reaching gusts of up to 55 mph in the afternoon, highest along the coast. Winds will peak between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. tomorrow, which may cause scattered down tree limbs, localized power outages, and hazardous driving for high profile vehicles. Poorly secured outdoor objects may also be damaged or blown away.

Minor coastal flooding will also be possible during high tides tomorrow in Jamaica Bay, where a Coastal Flood Statement is in effect from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. for above-ground inundation of up to one-half foot along vulnerable shorelines. Finally, temperatures will drop about 30 degrees from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday evening, with periods of wind chills in the teens through Saturday morning. Icy conditions are not expected as the strong winds tomorrow will help dry out surfaces before temperatures drop below freezing.

“As New York City braces for additional rainfall and high winds, we urge New Yorkers to take precautions,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “NYC Emergency Management has activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is closely coordinating with the National Weather Service and our partner agencies across city, state, and federal levels in response to the expected weather conditions, including rainfall, coastal flooding, and strong wind. Please allow for extra travel time and consider using public transportation. Sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed with the latest weather updates.”

NYCEM is collaborating with the National Weather Service and monitoring the latest forecasts, particularly the potential for coastal flooding. To ensure real-time awareness and a coordinated response, NYCEM is organizing specialized interagency briefings to keep essential stakeholders well-informed of emerging risks, fine-tune operational strategies specific to flooding, and reinforcing its readiness for scaled-up emergency responses should conditions warrant. Critical assets and specialized units are on standby prepared for activation as conditions necessitate.

NYCEM recommends the following preparedness actions for New Yorkers for those in flood-prone regions and low-lying areas:

Relocate parked vehicles to higher ground or inland, ensuring they do not obstruct roadways or block emergency access.

Communication and Information: Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts through various channels, including Notify NYC, available in 13 different languages, with a special sub-group dedicated to Basement Apartment Dwellers. Subscribe to Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app in your phone's app store, or dial 311. Keep a battery-powered radio ready for timely updates, particularly if power outages are expected.

Gather Supplies: Every household member should have a Go Bag packed with essential items, such as bottled water, non-perishable food, and basic medical supplies.

Storm Drains and Local Warnings: If it's safe to do so, check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding.

Home Safety and Utility Measures: Ensure your home's sump pumps are operational and familiarize yourself with how to safely shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity. If you reside in a basement or below-grade apartment, be particularly vigilant, as these areas are more susceptible to flooding. Follow City guidance for additional actions specific to below-grade dwellings. Subscribe to Notify NYC’s Basement Apartment Dweller subgroup for key alerts.

Document & Insurance Review: Secure essential documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to ensure you have specialized flood coverage, as standard policies often don't cover flood and wind damage. Consider enrolling in the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more at floodsmart.gov.

Prepare for Outages: To gear up for potential power disruptions, keep your cell phones charged, stock up on supplies. If power outages are predicted, consider adjusting your refrigerator and freezer to colder settings to extend the shelf life of perishable items. Ensure that flashlights and battery-operated radios or TVs are functional, keeping extra batteries on hand. If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and lose power, dial 911 for immediate assistance, and remember never to use generators indoors. Check on vulnerable individuals in your community, such as older adults and people with disabilities or health conditions, and assist them in their preparations.

Pet Safety: Make provisions for your pets' safety, including the need to leave your home and to take your pet with you.

Plan for Special Needs & Check on Your Neighbors: Make it a point to check on neighbors who are older adults or who may require special assistance. If you have a disability or specific access and functional needs, make sure your emergency plan accounts for how these factors could impact your ability to respond quickly and communicate effectively during a crisis. Seek assistance from your family or service providers as needed.

Avoidance and Caution: Do not venture into flooded areas. These zones may be contaminated or electrically charged. Take preemptive action by assembling a Go Bag with essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies.
Real-Time Awareness: Stay updated on changing flood conditions by monitoring real-time flood depth via the FloodNet website (floodnet.nyc).

NYCEM will continue to provide New Yorkers with the most current information and guidelines as conditions develop.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/WeatherUpdates. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

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