NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Heavy, flooding rains thrashed the Tri-State area Wednesday evening, causing damage in some areas and leading to a first-ever kind of weather emergency in New York City.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the entire New York City area as the remnants of Ida threaten the Tri-State with torrential rain, severe thunderstorms and the potential for isolated tornadoes into Thursday.
The National Weather Service says it has issued a Flash Flood Emergency for the New York City Metro area -- even saying this is the first time it has ever had to issue one for the region.
The National Weather Service said Wednesday night that multiple flood rescues were already underway in New Jersey, with more rain still to come.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in order to respond to the storm.
In Manhattan, over 3 inches of rain were recorded over a one-hour period.
A tornado watch is also in effect across New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut, northeastern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley until 1 a.m. Thursday.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is currently in effect for New York City, Long Island and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut. The warning extends as far as 10:45 p.m. in parts of the area.
Ida, which slammed the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm earlier this week before weakening to a tropical depression, is bringing heavy rain to the northeast through Thursday.
Ida is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to much of the region, with as much as 6 to 8 inches possible in North Jersey and the Hudson Valley suburbs, according to AccuWeather.
The National Weather Service said Wednesday night that multiple flood rescues were already underway in New Jersey, with more rain still to come.
Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for all five boroughs from Wednesday to Thursday morning because of the heavy rain and potential for flash flooding.
Gov. Kathy Hochul directed New York state agencies to prepare emergency response assets. She said authorities are in communication with local municipalities and partners, and that they're ready to respond as needed.
Flash Flood Warnings are in effect in New York Wednesday night across New York City, western Long Island, Westchester County and parts of southwestern Connecticut. In New Jersey, Flash Flood Warnings are posted Wednesday night for Burlington, Camden, Gloucster, Hunterdon, Warren and Salem counties.
Downpours may turn torrential at times as the potential for strong thunderstorms increases.
The severe storms could produce damaging winds and have the potential to spin up quick, isolated tornadoes.
A Tornado Watch is in effect for the following 15 counties in New Jersey until 10 p.m.: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset and Warren.
The National Weather Service warned of “scattered to widespread” flash flooding and said “an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, especially near the coast.”
The rain will continue early Thursday morning before tapering off for clear skies by afternoon. The high will be 73.
Friday is mainly sunny and more pleasant with a high of 74. Labor Day Weekend should be mostly dry, although a shower cannot be ruled out on Sunday and Monday, when highs will be close to 80.
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