NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Powerful winds and heavy rain will hammer the New York City area Sunday night, prompting the city's flood watch to be extended into Monday afternoon as officials try to prepare for the oncoming storm.
Steady rain fell in the Tri-State area Sunday morning and afternoon, during an increasingly windy and unseasonably mild day that saw highs near 60, AccuWeather said.
On Sunday afternoon the National Weather Service New York posted on X that "Today's rain was only the beginning. Heavy rain is expected tonight, with some areas likely to get 4 inches or more." AccuWeather added the potential for a winter thunderstorm to come down on NYC.
At 4:46 p.m. on Sunday, NYC Emergency Management issued an update about the storm, noting that the city has already seen 1/2 to 1 inch of heavy rain and 30 mph gusts. The city is expected to be in a slight lull until weather ramps up at 9 p.m.
At 4:27 p.m. Sunday Mayor Eric Adams re-emphasized his earlier calls for citizens to use caution and follow the city's travel advisory in a video on X while he stood under an umbrella in Queens rain.
Wind gusts could top 50 mph in the five boroughs and whip up to 70 mph on Long Island during the height of the storm, as inches of rain falls across the Tri-State. It's part of a major storm that will impact most of the Northeast, according to AccuWeather.
The NWS warned the tri-state area about a storm system that is "bringing heavy rain, strong to damaging winds, and coastal flooding."
NWS New York released an event summary of the storm this weekend in a post on X that included a briefing and local forecast.
Winds are expected particularly on the coast, where power outages are possible, AccuWeather said. New Yorkers should expect flooding particularly on sidewalks and roads.
NYC Emergency Management had issued a flood watch from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, which has now been extended into Monday afternoon.
The agency has also issued a wind advisory in Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau County and a high wind warning for Suffolk County during that same timeframe "for sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph."
The city is under a travel advisory issued by NYC Emergency Management, and the MTA is enacting safety initiatives, like banning empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks on bridges and tunnels beginning Sunday at 6 p.m.
The MTA said that it is prepositioning crews to respond to weather-related issues, and the Long Island Rail Road is enhancing staff, monitoring the weather and activating an incident command center.
"The Long Island Rail Road will be in a state of heightened readiness for this storm," LIRR Acting President Rob Free said. "We will be monitoring conditions with continuous real-time updates, have arranged for buses as a precaution, and we will have additional field personnel strategically deployed throughout the system to be able to quickly mobilize if conditions warrant."
NYC Water confirmed in a post on X Saturday that it activated its flash flood plan and deployed extra crews in preparation for the storm.
"#NYC has activated its Flash Flood Plan in anticipation of heavy rain forecast for Sunday evening, which may extend into Monday & cause coastal flooding. We've already deployed extra crews. Follow @NotifyNYC for alerts," the post read.
In a statement Saturday, NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said "A Flood Watch and a High Wind Watch are already in effect, and additional warnings may be issued over the weekend. Rainfall flooding may lead to traffic disruptions and delays, and the high winds could produce widespread power outages. This strong storm may also result in minor coastal flooding along vulnerable shorelines during the Monday morning high tide."
In the same statement, NYC Emergency Management offered New Yorkers a few safety tips.
• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.
• If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• If you live in a basement apartment in a flood prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.
• Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
NYC Emergency Management Executive Director of Public Information Aries Dela Cruz posted about the storm on X Friday and acknowledged the agency's work with the NWS.
"@nycemergencymgt has activated the City’s Flash Flood Plan and is working closely with the National Weather Service. A Flash Flood Emergency Steering Committee call was just convened with state and city agencies. A travel advisory will be issued for Sunday through Monday," the post read.
Mayor Eric Adams warned New Yorkers about the storm in a press conference Friday, noting that "Sunday would be a good day to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel," and to use public transit if absolutely necessary.
"We are preparing for heavy rains and strong winds Sunday night into Monday morning, which means everyone should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings in the event of potential flooding conditions in low lying areas," Adams said in a statement Saturday.
"As always, we encourage everyone to sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed on the latest weather information based on where you are. New Yorkers should take comfort in knowing that their city is looking out for them and we are preparing to ensure this weather event causes as few disruptions as possible," Adams added.
Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to use caution when traveling, warning several inches of rain downstate and snowfall upstate could create dangerous conditions.
“This weekend we are watching a major weather system bringing rain, snow and gusty winds that could cause some dangerous issues for New Yorkers, including flooding, dangerous travel, and power outages,” Hochul said. “I have directed state agencies to monitor this weather system throughout its duration and be ready to respond to any requests for assistance. I urge all New Yorkers to prepare now and plan for the next couple of days as the forecast comes into clearer view.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued a warning that Long Islanders secure all Christmas and Hanukkah decorations Saturday afternoon.
While the worst of the storm is expected Sunday night, wind and rain will linger Monday afternoon before subsiding later in the day. Temps will then plunge as the storm moves out, with highs only in the 40s to start the workweek.