Press Release

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August 20, 2026


#35-26

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS TODAY 

New Yorkers Should Prepare for Possible Flash Flooding and Significant Travel Disruptions This Afternoon and Evening

 

NEW YORK - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Travel Advisory for today, Thursday, August 20, as thunderstorms capable of producing very heavy rain approach the region this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City and large parts of the surrounding region in a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall, Level 3 of 4. A Moderate Risk means numerous flash floods are possible, including potentially significant flooding, in some locations.


Forecasts are confident in heavy rain and impacts are expected across the city. Some neighborhoods may receive locally heavier downpours from the strongest thunderstorms and could experience very heavy rainfall over a short period, with flooding developing quickly and creating dangerous travel conditions.


New Yorkers should plan for possible significant disruptions this afternoon and evening rather than wait for conditions to deteriorate. Anyone traveling should allow extra time, closely monitor weather and transit conditions, and be prepared to delay or change plans if heavy rain or flooding develops.


NYCEM has activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the National Weather Service and City agencies.


"New Yorkers should take today's forecast seriously and prepare for the possibility of dangerous conditions this afternoon and evening," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "We may not see the same impacts everywhere, but where the heaviest rain develops, flooding could happen quickly and disrupt travel. Give yourself extra time, stay alert to changing conditions, and never enter flooded streets or other flooded areas. Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 for emergency updates."


"The risk has increased, but there is still uncertainty about exactly where the strongest storms will develop," said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. "That means some neighborhoods may see limited impacts while others could experience intense rainfall and rapidly developing flooding. New Yorkers should plan for that possibility now. Check conditions before you travel, give yourself additional time, and be prepared to change your plans if conditions worsen."


Stronger thunderstorms could produce rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Rainfall amounts may vary sharply from one neighborhood to another, meaning localized areas could experience significant flooding even if nearby locations see much less rain.


The greatest potential for heavy rain and flash flooding is during the evening, including the evening commute, but isolated storms this afternoon cannot be ruled out. Conditions are expected to improve later tonight.


New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

 

  • Allow extra time for travel on Thursday afternoon and during the evening commute.
  • Avoid flooded streets, rooms, subway stations, and other flooded areas. Never drive, bike, or walk through floodwater. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide submerged hazards, openings, debris, and electrical dangers.
  • If you live in a basement apartment or other below-grade space, stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to move to a higher floor or another safer location before flooding begins.
  • Do not wait for water to enter your home before acting if conditions are worsening.
  • If a Flash Flood Warning or other emergency instruction is issued for your area, follow official guidance immediately.
  • Keep phones, medical equipment, and other essential devices charged.
  • Check on family, friends, neighbors, older adults, and people who may need additional assistance before and during the storm.
  • Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.


NYC Emergency Management will continue to coordinate with the NWS and City agencies as conditions evolve.


New Yorkers can find preparedness recommendations and guidance for excessive rainfall, flash flooding, thunderstorms, and other hazards at nyc.gov/beready, including steps to take before, during, and after an emergency.

 

New Yorkers should stay informed through official sources. Subscribe to Notify NYC for free emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. New Yorkers who live in basement apartments can sign up for a basement alert and choose to receive alerts by phone. To enroll in these additional alert options, visit nyc.gov/notify.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

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