Press Release

Print icon Print



NEW YORKERS URGED TO TAKE SAFETY MEASURES IN PREPARATION FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAINFALL THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY


City Issues Travel Alert as Heavy Rainfall With Localized Flooding is Forecast for Thursday and Friday


NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol today urged New Yorkers to take immediate precautions ahead of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast for Thursday into Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for New York City, warning of 1.3 to 3 inches of rain with higher amounts possible from 2PM on Thursday, July 31 through Friday, August 1. NYCEM has issued a Travel Advisory urging New Yorkers to avoid travel from Thursday afternoon and through Friday afternoon. Residents whose homes flood frequently should take steps now to protect their property and prepare to act quickly if conditions worsen.


The National Weather Service forecasts that a frontal boundary will stall near the region on Thursday, bringing repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms through Friday morning. Heavy rainfall is possible with any storm and could cause flooding wherever it falls, especially in poor-drainage or low-lying areas. NWS forecasts 1.5 to 3 inches of rain for the city, with locally higher amounts possible up to 5 inches, causing an elevated threat to life and property, particularly on Thursday afternoon and Thursday night. There is significant model uncertainty regarding the exact location and intensity of the heaviest rainfall, but the heaviest rain is expected from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, with the event likely winding down by midday Friday.


New Yorkers are urged to follow trusted news and weather sources, including emergency alerts from Notify NYC, for the latest information. Flash flooding can develop suddenly, often faster than forecasts or warnings can be issued, and conditions can change in minutes. Residents, especially those in flood-prone or below-grade living spaces, should be ready to act immediately if conditions begin to deteriorate or relocate to a safer location before the heaviest rain begins.


“Thursday’s storm system is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and potentially dangerous conditions to our city,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Flash flooding is one of the most dangerous hazards we face in New York City because it can happen quickly and without warning. Our emergency teams and city agencies are fully mobilized and prepared, but New Yorkers must also take steps to stay safe. Sign up for Notify NYC, know your exits if you live in a basement apartment, and be ready to act before conditions become life-threatening.”


“This storm system could bring intense rainfall rates and amounts in a very short period of time,” said NYCEM Commissioner Iscol. “We have activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan and are coordinating closely with the National Weather Service and partner agencies. Every New Yorker should always be prepared for dangerous weather. Make a plan now, stay alert to changing conditions, and be ready to move quickly at the first sign of rising water, especially if you live in a basement or other below-grade space.”


NYCEM, working in coordination with partner agencies, has fully activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is actively monitoring the storm’s progression with the National Weather Service. As part of the city’s proactive preparations, crews from the New York City Department of Sanitation, Department of Environmental Protection, and Department of Transportation are already inspecting and clearing catch basins in neighborhoods and corridors that are most vulnerable to flooding. Multiple city agencies have been convened through the Flash Flood Emergency Plan Steering Committee to ensure the city is fully prepared to respond rapidly and effectively as conditions evolve.


HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING FLASH FLOODING AND SEVERE STORMS

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, flooding is New York City’s most dangerous public health threat, and it can become deadly in minutes. Flash floods can turn streets into rivers and fill basements with little or no warning. Severe thunderstorms can also bring damaging winds, hail, and downed trees or power lines. Basement apartments are especially dangerous. People have drowned because they could not escape in time.

 

Do not wait to act. Consider leaving before flooding begins or conditions worsen:

  • Plan: If you live in a basement or below-grade home or frequently-flooded area, relocate to a safer location as soon as you believe conditions could lead to flooding. Pay close attention to weather alerts and conditions, but do not wait for a watch or warning to act. Know where you will go and how you will get there, and never wait until water is at your door.
  • Act: Pack a Go Bag with essentials you can grab quickly, including ID, medications, chargers, and waterproof bags for documents and electronics. Consider installing a flood sensor to provide early warning if water enters your home.
  • Survive: Sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency communications program, by visiting the Notify NYC page, or calling 311. Keep phones close and alerts on, especially at night. If water outside is more than 6 inches deep, it may be too late to evacuate safely. Move to a higher floor immediately, avoid floodwater which can be contaminated or electrified, and call 911 if you are in danger.


Additional storm safety actions:

  • Avoid travel during heavy rain or strong storms. If you must travel, allow extra time and use caution.
  • Never walk, drive, or bike through flooded streets. Do not enter flooded subway stations. The depth and force of water can be life-threatening.
  • Stay indoors during thunderstorms and away from windows. Flying debris and downed trees can be dangerous.
  • Move vehicles to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.
  • Clear debris from gutters and drains near your home to help reduce localized flooding.
  • Treat any downed power lines as live. Stay away and report them to 911.


For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311.