September 12, 2026

NYCEM ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR HEAVY RAIN AND POTENTIAL FLASH FLOODING SUNDAY MORNING

New Yorkers, especially those in basement apartments and flood-prone areas, urged to prepare

City Opens Safe Overnight Locations for New Yorkers

NEW YORK — New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) is advising New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and possible flash flooding early Sunday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for New York City from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM Sunday, September 13.

The City will open 51 safe overnight locations at New York City Public Schools beginning at 10 PM Saturday for New Yorkers, especially those living in basement apartments or below-grade dwellings who need a safe place to stay. Locations are listed at https://on.nyc.gov/SafeLocations and are also available by calling 311. Service animals and pets are welcome.

Rain is expected to begin during the early morning hours Sunday and continue through midday, with the greatest potential for heavy rain and flash flooding between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Rainfall forecasts have increased since Friday. The NWS Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City at a Slight Risk, Level 2 of 4, for excessive rainfall.

The heaviest rain is forecast to fall just east of the city, where localized totals of 5 to 7 inches are possible across Nassau, Suffolk, and southern Connecticut. A small shift in where the rain sets up would bring 5 to 7 inch totals and a much higher flash flooding risk into eastern Brooklyn and Queens. New Yorkers in those neighborhoods living in basements and below grade are urged to move to higher ground tonight, to an upstairs neighbor or family friend’s home, or to a safe overnight locations at a New York City Public School. New Yorkers with disabilities, access, or functional needs should also call 311 for assistance.

NYCEM activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan on Thursday, September 10, and City agencies are preparing for possible flooding impacts before conditions improve Sunday afternoon.

“Our crews are clearing catch basins, agencies are preparing and emergency teams will be working through the night while most of the city sleeps,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “If you live in a basement apartment, know your exits before you go to bed and be ready to move to a higher floor if conditions worsen. If you’re driving Sunday morning, give yourself extra time and never drive through a flooded street. Check on neighbors who may need extra help, and make sure you can receive emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. A few simple steps tonight can help keep you and your neighbors safe tomorrow.”

"Heavy rain can overwhelm streets and drainage systems in minutes, and the most intense rain is expected when many New Yorkers will be asleep," said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. "The strongest storms Sunday morning could drop 2 to 2.5 inches of rain in a single hour. Do not wait until you see water rising to make a plan. If you live in a basement, below-grade space, or a home that has flooded before, know where you will go if you need to move to higher ground. Keep emergency alerts enabled and your phone volume on overnight. Basement apartment residents should also sign up at nyc.gov/notify and select the basement apartment option to receive automated phone calls during flooding. NYCEM will continue coordinating with the National Weather Service and City agency partners throughout the event."

The NWS expects 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across the city, with the lower amounts on Staten Island and the western portions of the city and the higher amounts to the east. Higher localized totals cannot be ruled out across eastern Brooklyn and Queens.

Rainfall rates are generally expected to reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, with the strongest storms capable of producing 2 to 2.5 inches per hour. Rain falling that quickly can overwhelm drainage systems and cause ponding on streets and isolated to scattered flash flooding. Low-lying areas, poor-drainage locations, underpasses, sections of highways, and neighborhoods that have flooded before may be especially vulnerable.

The primary period of concern begins in the early morning hours Sunday and continues through midday, when the rain is expected to move east of the city. Widespread strong winds are not expected, though thunderstorms Sunday morning may produce gusty winds, and no tornado threat is anticipated at this time. A front approaching Sunday evening may bring a few light showers with no associated flood threat. A moderate rip current risk is also in place at ocean-facing beaches today and Sunday.

New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Allow extra time for travel Saturday evening and Sunday morning and check weather and transit conditions before leaving.
• 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.

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

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

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