The National Weather Service issued an alert that a nor’easter is approaching and is expected to bring heavy rainfall, moderate to major flooding, strong winds, and high surf to the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, starting Friday, Sept. 25. In New York City, the storm will bring gusty winds, periods of rain and coastal flooding, with the heaviest rain hitting east of the city.
“While this storm is expected to pass offshore and keep the heaviest rain east of New York City, New Yorkers should still prepare for gusty winds, rain and coastal flooding this weekend,” said Mayor Mamdani. “If you live near the coast, move your car to higher ground or away from streets that regularly flood, and secure anything outside that could be picked up by strong winds. Storm tracks can change, so stay informed and take the simple steps that can keep you and your neighbors safe. For emergency alerts, text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.”
Rain is expected to start Friday afternoon and last through Sunday, with a total rainfall of 1 to 1.5 inches over the course of the weekend. Coastal neighborhoods may experience flooding during high tides, particularly on Friday evening into Saturday morning. Winds are expected to pick up late Friday into Saturday morning, with gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour. Conditions are expected to improve Saturday night into Sunday morning as the storm continues to move offshore.
There is a high risk of rip currents at city beaches, which will continue through at least Saturday, and rough surf could cause some beach erosion. City beaches officially closed on Sept. 13 and swimming is no longer permitted due to lifeguards not being on duty.
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) is monitoring the situation and will hold daily briefings with the National Weather Service and City agencies to review the latest forecast and coordinate preparations as storm tracks can change at any time.
“We’re keeping a close eye on the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, which could bring flooding to low-lying areas on Staten Island’s eastern shore, in the Rockaways and around Jamaica Bay,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Winds will pick up late Friday, so bring in or tie down anything outside before then, and if you’re traveling this weekend, allow extra time and watch for ponding on roads. Never drive or walk through floodwater, and never go around traffic barricades. We’re working with the National Weather Service and our partner agencies every day, and we’ll keep New Yorkers updated.”
NYCEM said that New Yorkers can prepare for the storm by securing outdoor items like furniture, decorations, grills and garbage containers, including anything on balconies, rooftops and patios ahead of time, and clear out debris from drains, gutters and stairwells around your home so water can flow freely. If you live in a coastal area that frequently floods, you should move your car to higher ground before Thursday evening’s high tide.
For New Yorkers living in basement or ground-floor apartments, know more than one way out of your home and keep exits clear. If water begins to enter, head to a higher floor and do not remain in or re-enter a flooded basement.
NYCEM urges New Yorkers not to walk or drive through floodwater, no matter how shallow it looks, as six inches of moving water can knock a person down and one foot of water can sweep away a car. Do not drive through traffic barricades, and avoid touching floodwater, which could contain sewage, chemicals or debris.
Nonemergency issues can be reported to 311 and call 911 if you are in immediate danger. If you rely on powered medical equipment, register with your utility provider and keep backup batteries charged. Be sure to check on neighbors who may need extra help, especially older adults, people with disabilities and anyone in a basement or low-lying home in a coastal area.
Sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency alert system, by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 or visiting nyc.gov/notifynyc. Basement apartment residents can sign up to receive automated phone call alerts during flooding by visiting nyc.gov/notifynyc and selecting the basement apartment option. For more coastal storm preparedness tips, visit nyc.gov/beready.
