NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Like clockwork, New York City faces its second Sunday night storm in a row. City agencies are preparing New Yorkers for potential flooding and wind-related issues among the oncoming coastal weather.
The National Weather Service New York posted an event summary on X of the coastal storm that has put a flood watch in effect from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon.
A flood watch is in effect citywide from 5 p.m. Sunday until 5 p.m. Monday, City Hall confirmed late Sunday afternoon.
Coastal flood warnings are in effect for south Queens from 9 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday and for Brooklyn and Staten Island from 10 a.m. Sunday to 4 p.m. Monday.
Coastal flood advisories are in effect for the Bronx, Manhattan and north Queens from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday.
"For the high tide tomorrow afternoon, widespread moderate to locally major coastal flooding is anticipated with inundation of 1.5 to 2.5 feet and up to 3 feet locally in Jamaica Bay," the mayor's office said.
Mayor Eric Adams spoke with 1010 WINS Sunday afternoon about the upcoming storm, noting that it was the perfect time to stay in and relax.
“This is a good time to get a Netflix, or any other favorite movie channel. I like to watch reruns of Madam Secretary, you know, that’s one of my favorite shows," Adams said.
Adams noted that the storm is going to intensify Sunday night and into Monday morning, and the areas particularly susceptible to flooding, like the Jamaica Bay area and Belt Parkway, remain the same. For this reason, Adams encouraged New Yorkers to use public transit if they must travel.
“We’re already up, our team is already out there, making sure we get at the proper coordinations. We have pre-stage rescue and operations in areas like those who are likely to be the hardest hit," Adams said.
Adams confirmed that schools would be open Monday and the commute might be a struggle, but said that once kids were in school things would run smoother.
NYC Public Schools doubled down on this confirmation and affirmed that they are in contact with facilities staff across the city, particularly those at schools most susceptible to floods, in a post on X late Sunday afternoon.
Due to the severe weather, City Hall also announced that alternate side parking regulations are suspended on Monday, though parking meters will remain in effect.
Gov. Kathy Hochul also urged New Yorkers to take care and prepare for the coastal storm Sunday.
“We have been tracking this storm system for several days and it remains on track to bring several inches of rain to New York, especially in the Mid-Hudson, where some places could see more than four inches of rain by Tuesday,” Hochul said. “There is also a potential for very strong winds downstate in New York City and on Long Island, which could cause power outages. State agencies continue to monitor this system and are prepared to support our local partners. New Yorkers should continue to check the forecast for updates and take the steps necessary to stay safe.”
Before the storm, pockets of rain become steadier Sunday evening and it is expected to get increasingly windy, AccuWeather said.
Sunday night will see rain, hard at times, pick up after midnight and last through midday Monday, AccuWeather said.
AccuWeather warns that there can be flooding, especially on streets and highways, and wind gusts as high as 50 mph in the city and 60 mph on Long Island are expected amid mild temperatures; a low of 51.
Downed trees and power outages are also possible, and festive folks should secure holiday decorations.
Monday is expected to remain windy and mild for December, with temperatures soaring to a high of 59, per AccuWeather. By nightfall it is expected to become cloudier with more wind and spots of rain or snow and a low of 38.
In addition to the flood watch, a wind advisory is in effect in Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and some New Jersey suburbs from midnight Sunday until noon Monday.
High wind warnings are in effect in the remaining boroughs, Queens and Brooklyn, as well as Long Island and the majority of coastal Connecticut, AccuWeather said.
Similar preparations as last week are in effect for to manage winds, with the MTA prohibiting empty tractor trailers from bridges beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday.
Adams is helping New York City Emergency Management get word out about necessary precautionary measures New Yorkers should take, and both the mayor and agency encourage New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC to get direct, up-to-date information.
Adams posted a weather thread on X Saturday so that New Yorkers can get “prepared for the weather that’s coming in.”
The thread includes information about the storm, including the travel advisory that creates the possibility of delays for the Monday commute, coastal flooding and the need to prepare by emptying catch basins, securing items that could be blown away and being aware of the possibility of floods.
“With significant rainfall and high winds predicted for this Sunday into Monday, we want to remind New Yorkers to be alert, keep checking the forecast, and stay prepared,” said Adams. “If you have loose things outside, now is a good time to secure them, before the winds start. People in low-lying and poor drainage areas should take extra precautions. And today is a great day to clear your catch basins, to make sure the rain ends up in the sewers and not in our basements and streets.”
NYC Parks noted that tree damage is possible in relation to the storm, and posted resources on X late Sunday afternoon for New Yorkers to report downed and damaged trees.
“The National Weather Service has put New York City under numerous watches, warnings, and advisories as they expect the storm to bring a range of hazards to the area," NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol said in a statement Sunday. "Our teams are fully prepared and closely coordinating with city agencies to ensure a swift response to any emergencies. I strongly recommend avoiding unnecessary travel, and if you must travel, please consider public transportation, and expect travel delays. Above all, please prepare now, stay safe, stay informed, and keep updated with Notify NYC for real-time information.”
By Tuesday, the weather is expected to turn colder with rain or a snow shower and a significant drop in temperatures with a high of 43, according to AccuWeather.
AccuWeather said Wednesday is when precipitation and wind will lessen, with plenty of sunshine and a high of 45.