NYC Emergency Management Advises New Yorkers to Prepare for Moderate to Heavy Rains and Potential Flash Floods

Emergency Management


Press Release


#11-24

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINS AND POTENTIAL FLASH FLOODS

The National Weather Service Has Issued a Flood Watch for New York City

March 5, 2024 — The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a Travel Advisory for heavy rain and flooding tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6, into Thursday, March 7. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for New York City valid from 1:00 p.m. tomorrow until 6:00 a.m. Thursday. According to the latest forecast, rain begins in the early afternoon tomorrow with periods of moderate to heavy rain through about midnight. Light rain continues overnight with lingering showers possible through Thursday afternoon. A total of 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is expected, the bulk of which is forecast between 3:00 p.m. and midnight. Rainfall rates around 1 inch/hour will be possible, but extreme rates are not expected.

Heavy rain may result in widespread minor flooding across the city, particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Flooded roadways could create travel delays and disruptions during the evening commute. A few flood-prone roads may become impassable. Minor flooding of structures and properties will also be possible. The threat for more significant flash flooding remains low and localized at this time. The primary flood threat will end around midnight, but residual flooding will be possible through Thursday morning.

No other hazards are expected with this storm as winds will be about 10-15 MPH with temperatures in the low 50s. Winds will be breezy during the day Thursday at 20-25 MPH.

“With heavy rain and possible flooding in some low-lying areas heading our way, New Yorkers should plan ahead of tomorrow’s storm in order to remain safe,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “All relevant city agencies have been activated and are prepared to handle whatever comes our way, but we’re asking New Yorkers to do their part, too. The rain will impact the evening commute and disrupt travel, so if you are able to stay off the roads during that time, please do so. If you do have to be out, please remember to take it slow. As a reminder, New Yorkers should sign up for Notify NYC to keep up to date on winter weather and more.”

“We have activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan in anticipation of heavy rain and flooding tomorrow,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Our primary concern is the afternoon and evening, where several hours of moderate to heavy rain will be possible, particularly during the commute. While major impacts are not expected, I want to stress the critical need for all New Yorkers, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, including below-grade living spaces, to take precautions, sign up for emergency notifications via Notify NYC, pay attention to changes in the forecast, and heed official guidance to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe."

New York City Emergency Management, in coordination with partners and other city agencies, has activated the comprehensive Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is actively collaborating with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions. As part of this proactive approach, crews from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, New York City Department of Sanitation, and New York City Department of Transportation are already on the ground, inspecting and clearing catch basins in neighborhoods and thoroughfares that are particularly susceptible to flooding. Multiple city agencies have been convened on a Flash Flood Emergency Plan Steering Committee and are not only preparing in advance but also poised to respond swiftly and effectively to emergent situations.

NYCEM urges all New Yorkers to prioritize their safety by remaining alert and well-informed, including with real-time updates by subscribing to Notify NYC and listening to news broadcasts for the latest weather information. NYCEM strongly encourages all New Yorkers to take proactive steps to ensure their own safety and support the city’s resilience:

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 a place higher than the flood waters if experiencing rising waters and/or if you receive a warning from Notify NYC or the National Weather Service.

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

Six inches of moving water can knock over an adult. Avoid stepping in floodwater if you see it.

Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults as well as 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 on the Notify NYC website at nyc.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on social media.

New Yorkers should follow the National Weather Service forecast and guidance listed in watches, warnings, and advisories on the National Weather Service website.

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, New Yorkers can visit the Notify NYC website, 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.