NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Heavy rain and winds pounded the New York City area Tuesday, causing widespread power outages and transit suspensions.
In an interview with 1010 WINS Tuesday afternoon, NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell said Tuesday's power outages marked the third-worst storm-related power outage in Con Edison's history. Only Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene resulted in more customer outages, she said. Here are the latest updates:
TRANSIT ALERTS:
- MTA: "To keep everyone safe, we are suspending most outdoor service and will run underground-only subway service until the winds die down ... If high winds are sustained, we will close outdoor stations and run underground-only service—it won't be safe for you or our crews to be on elevated platforms. We'll let you know about changes to service with as much notice as we can."
- NJ Transit: "NJT rail service remains suspended system-wide due to storm-related overhead wire and signal issues throughout the state. Rail tickets/passes are being cross-honored by PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd St, NJ TRANSIT Light rail, bus, private carrier buses and PATCO."
- LIRR: LIRR service remains mostly suspended from Tropical Storm Isaias. "Crews are assessing potential track & signal damage as they remove dozens of fallen trees and utility poles, + remnants of a roof that blew onto our tracks in New Cassel. The LIRR will operate a train to Far Rockaway, departing Atlantic Terminal at 8 p.m., stopping at East New York, Nostrand Ave., Jamaica, Locust Manor, Laurelton, Rosedale, Valley Stream, then all local stops to Far Rockaway. A train to Long Beach will depart Penn Station at 8 p.m., stopping at Woodside, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, St. Albans, Valley Stream, then all local stops to Long Beach."
- Metro-North: "Service remains suspended, and crews are working hard to remove trees across the tracks along the New Haven, Harlem & Hudson Lines. We will resume service once trees have been cleared and repairs made, so we can move customers safely."
- PATH: "In light of the potential flooding and high winds, PATH may experience delays throughout the rush systemwide. Please allow extra travel time."
The storm brought down trees, including one that fell on a car in Queens, killing a 60-year-old man inside. Coastal flood warnings were issued for Staten Island, Brooklyn and southern Queens while coastal flood advisories were issued in Manhattan and the Bronx.
The National Weather Service confirmed that a small tornado touched down in Cape May County in New Jersey, and videos posted to social media showed another tornado spotted in Ocean City, New Jersey.
@CBSPhilly this is the tail end of a tornado on the parkway northbound outside of ocean city NJ pic.twitter.com/BWPDRT4P6n
— BenjaminRush (@DrBenRush) August 4, 2020
Areas along Jamaica Bay, including Broad Channel, Howard Beach, and Hamilton Beach, were expected to see about one to two feet of water above ground, as well as more water entering these areas from the wind's wave action.
Criswell reminded residents to move their cars to higher grounds never drive through flooded streets. "If you come across flooding turn around, don't drown," she said. She also warned of the dangerous current forecasted and said no one should be out swimming or surfing.
"Don't even think about going in the water," de Blasio warned. "The beaches are closed for a reason. It's very dangerous during these kinds of conditions."
Gusty winds and heavy rain are expected to spread north through parts of New England through Tuesday night as Isaias continues to move through, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Tuesday night is expected to be windy, with patchy clouds, a stray shower and a low of 71 degrees, according to Accuweather.
Wednesday should be warm, breezy and humid, with some sun and a high of 86 degrees.
