NYCEM Places NYC Under A Travel Advisory for Inclement Weather

Emergency Management


Press Release


#14-24

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLACES NEW YORK CITY UNDER A TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

April 2, 2024 — The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) today issued a Travel Advisory for Wednesday, April 3, to Thursday, April 4 for inclement weather forecasted for the city, including an additional 2 to 3 inches of rain expected between now and Thursday, becoming locally heavy at times, mainly Wednesday afternoon to Wednesday evening, causing minor flooding of poor drainage and low-lying areas. Flash flooding is not currently forecast, but localized areas of flash flooding cannot be ruled out. There is also expected to be minor coastal flooding and high winds. New Yorkers are urged to remain updated with real-time verified emergency weather alerts through Notify NYC (nyc.gov/notify) and to expect travel delays and disruptions.

The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Queens South from 3AM to 7AM Wednesday, April 3 and Queens North and the Bronx from 4PM Wednesday, April 3 until 10AM Thursday, April 4 for inundation of 1.5-2.5ft above ground level. The NWS also issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island from 2PM Wednesday, April 3 until to 7AM Thursday, April 4. A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for Queens South between 2-7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 3, for inundation of 1 foot above ground level and for 3-7 AM on Thursday, April 4 for inundation of 2 feet above ground level.

The National Weather Service has also issued a High Wind Watch citywide from 11:00 AM on Wednesday until 5:00 AM Thursday for 25-35 mph winds and gusts of up to 60 mph possible. New Yorkers are urged to exercise caution when walking, biking, or driving and secure any loose objects from their properties. NWS alerts, advisories, and warnings, and statements are subject to change. For the latest visit weather.gov/nyc. The MTA has prohibited empty tractor-trailers and tandem trailers on all MTA bridges beginning 10AM on Wednesday due to expected high winds.

“As New York City braces for inclement weather, with additional rainfall, minor coastal flooding, and high winds, I urge all New Yorkers to prioritize their safety and to stay ahead of the weather by staying updated through Notify NYC, our city's most reliable source for real-time, verified emergency alerts,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Expect travel delays and disruptions tomorrow, and if you need to travel, try to use public transportation and budget additional time to get to your destination. Our city's emergency teams are mobilized and ready to address any impacts this weather may bring. Let's all do our part stay informed and prepared.”

“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 winds,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “New Yorkers can stay informed with Notify NYC. Now is the time to take a moment to check on neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable, for any needs they may have now and throughout the week.”

NYCEM is collaborating with the National Weather Service and monitoring the latest forecasts. To ensure real-time awareness and a coordinated response, NYCEM is organizing specialized interagency briefings to keep essential stakeholders well-informed of emerging risks, 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. Roads, parking lots, and properties in low-lying areas near the shoreline could potentially experience minor flooding.

NYCEM recommends the following preparedness actions for New Yorkers:

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. Register at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC 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.

Tidal Awareness and Coastal Barriers: Monitor tide tables and storm surge forecasts. Know when high tides are expected in your vicinity and be prepared to adjust your plans. Where feasible, deploy sandbags or other deployables suitable for a residence to reduce the risk of tidal water intrusion.

Watercraft and Boat Security: If you own boats or watercraft, secure or relocate them immediately. Fluctuating tides can not only carry them away but loose watercraft can cause additional damage.

Storm Drains and Local Warnings: Regularly check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding. Pay attention to localized warnings, especially those pertaining to rip currents and high waves.

Beach Closures and Coastal Roads: Remain updated on any beach closures, as flooding can swiftly make these areas hazardous. Beaches are closed to swimming. Plan alternative travel routes to avoid low-lying coastal roads that may be susceptible to 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 www.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.

Documentation: When it's safe, contribute to our collective flood risk understanding by capturing and submitting photos via the MyCoast portal (https://mycoast.org/ny) or the MyCoast app. Don't forget to also file flood reports through 311.

Real-Time Awareness: Stay updated on changing flood conditions by monitoring real-time flood depth via the FloodNet website (https://www.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/SevereWeather. 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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