Mayor Mamdani Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Heavy Rain, Flash Flooding Ahead of Monday Morning Commute

NEW YORK –  Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) today urged New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and localized flash flooding beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Isolated thunderstorms may develop between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday before becoming more widespread overnight. While the greatest risk of heavy rain and flash flooding is expected during Monday's morning commute, particularly between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., more scattered thunderstorms could still trigger localized flash flooding in some areas into Monday evening. 

The City is urging New Yorkers to take the following precautions: 

• Limit travel during heavy rain and thunderstorms. If you must travel, exercise caution and never walk or drive through floodwaters. Take public transit whenever possible.  
• If you live in a basement apartment, ground-floor home or an area that has flooded before, make a plan now. Know where you will go if your home starts to flood, whether that's a neighbor on a higher floor, a nearby public building or the home of a friend or family member. Safe overnight locations are available in every borough by calling 311. Sign up for basement alerts at on.nyc.gov/basements. 
• During high winds, stay indoors if possible, avoid downed power lines and trees and secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and other loose items.  
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or trapped by rising water. 
• Sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. 
• Report downed trees, blocked catch basins and other non-emergency hazards to 311. 
• Visit http://nyc.gov/beready for emergency preparedness guidance. 

"City workers are doing everything possible to prepare for this storm — clearing catch basins, inspecting flood-prone neighborhoods, reaching out to New Yorkers living in basement apartments and positioning emergency response teams across the five boroughs," said Mayor Mamdani. "Now it's time for all of us to do our part. Limit travel if you can, plan for delays and take these warnings seriously. If heavy rain begins, if the winds pick up or if you hear thunder — get inside and wait out the dangerous conditions. Check on your neighbors, especially anyone living in a basement apartment, to make sure they have a plan and the information they need to stay safe."  

"As we've seen in recent storms, flash flooding can develop quickly and create dangerous conditions with little warning," said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. "We're expecting periods of heavy rain to especially impact the Monday morning commute and continue through the day, so New Yorkers should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC and avoid driving or walking through flooded streets." 

NWS has issued a Flood Watch through 6 a.m. Tuesday. Forecasters expect multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms capable of producing two to three inches of rainfall across much of the city, with isolated areas receiving up to six inches where storms repeatedly track over the same locations. Rainfall rates could reach two to three inches per hour, creating the potential for rapid flash flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods and areas with poor drainage. 

The greatest flood risk is expected 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, when additional bands of heavy rain are forecast to move across the city. Flooding could affect streets, underpasses, highways and other low-lying areas. Strong thunderstorms may also produce wind gusts capable of bringing down tree limbs and blowing unsecured outdoor objects. 

Ahead of the storm, Mayor Mamdani activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan, directing City agencies and partners to take proactive steps to reduce flood risks and coordinate emergency operations. 

NYCEM is coordinating with the NWS, City and State agencies, utility providers and private-sector partners. Specialized emergency teams and equipment are positioned throughout the city and ready for rapid deployment if conditions worsen. 

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are inspecting and clearing catch basins in flood-prone neighborhoods. The NYPD is preparing for potential street flooding and will have tow trucks staged in every borough to respond to stranded vehicles. The Downed Tree Task Force is on standby to respond to fallen trees and large limbs. NYCEM's 24/7 Watch Command is monitoring conditions around the clock and coordinating the City's response in real time. 

###