The Big Apple is at risk of experiencing significant flooding as the work week kicks off, with a powerful nor’easter set to batter the city this weekend, bringing with it heavy rain and gusty winds of up to 60 mph.
Weather experts predict that the storm could deliver anywhere from 1.5 to 3 inches of precipitation across the five boroughs starting Sunday night and continuing through Monday, though officials caution that actual totals might exceed these estimates.
“The combination of strong onshore winds, high surf, and elevated astronomical tides may result in some East Coast areas facing significant coastal flooding risks,” the National Weather Service has cautioned.
Residents in low-lying neighborhoods and coastal zones should prepare for flooding similar to incidents that rapidly affected basements and subway stations last July.
Areas in southern Brooklyn, southern Queens, the eastern shore of Staten Island, and the Bronx waterfront are particularly vulnerable to flooding and storm effects, according to the city’s Emergency Management.
Similar extreme weather conditions are anticipated for the south shore of Long Island, leading Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to issue a high wind advisory from 12 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday, activating the county’s emergency operations center.
“It’s difficult to predict the storm’s exact intensity or strength until it occurs. We’re monitoring the situation closely. We’ll prepare for the worst while hoping for the best,” said Blakeman in a statement.
Rainfall is expected to begin lightly on Saturday before intensifying after 8 a.m. on Sunday.
By Sunday evening, the rain is anticipated to become persistent, accompanied by winds of 23 mph, with gusts reaching up to 41 mph, according to the NWS.
However, winds are expected to be significantly stronger in southern Brooklyn and Queens, with peak gusts of 60 mph likely hitting the area from Sunday afternoon into the night.
The likelihood of fallen trees and downed power lines is high during this period, say meteorologists.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecasted to persist through Monday, gradually decreasing during the evening hours.
Coastal Flood Watches will remain in effect from Sunday through Monday, with 12–15-foot waves potentially leading to tides that could rise 2–4 feet above normal levels, indicating a risk of considerable beach erosion and dune breaching in coastal areas.
New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since as early as midday Saturday to address the looming threat.
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The NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) urges residents in coastal and flood-prone areas of the Big Apple to take preventative measures on Saturday to mitigate chaos, including preparing a Go-bag filled with essential supplies in case of emergency evacuation.
New Yorkers are also advised to gather necessary supplies ahead of time, move parked vehicles to higher ground, and proactively clear local drainage systems to aid rainfall runoff.
Flood conditions can be monitored in real time through NYCEM’s FloodNet website floodnet.nyc.
“We are closely monitoring this storm as it approaches the coast,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol.
“The exact effects will depend on the storm’s path, but we expect strong winds and coastal flooding, particularly in our shoreline neighborhoods. We encourage all New Yorkers to start preparing now: make a plan, check in on your neighbors, and sign up for Notify NYC alerts.”
