NYC Emergency Management Department (EMS) issued a travel advisory for Sunday, Dec. 10, and Monday, Dec. 11, adding that the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a Flood Watch citywide from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, with 2 to 3 inches of rain expected. EMS officials said a High Wind Watch is also in effect for Brooklyn and Queens from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday for sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.

 

EMS officials said a strong frontal system will impact the area Sunday morning into Monday, with the window of greatest potential impact expected from Sunday evening to early Monday morning. They said heavy rain may lead to flood conditions, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. They added that isolated instances of flash flooding cannot be ruled out, which may result in the potential for traffic disruption and delays. They said major flooding is not expected.

 

Officials said winds will be breezy during the day Sunday and will ramp up in the evening, with possible peak gusts of up to 60 mph through early Monday morning. They said downed trees and power lines could produce widespread power outages, particularly along the coast. “Minor coastal flooding will also be possible during the Monday morning high tide, with the potential for above-ground inundation of up to 1 feet along vulnerable shorelines,” EMS officials said.

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said of the impending bad weather, “While New Yorkers are no stranger to inclement weather, we want to remind residents to keep an eye on the forecast and remain prepared. 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 added, “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.”

 

The mayor’s comments were aligned with those of NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol, who said, in part, “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.”

They also shared the following 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.

· Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311.

 

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather.

 

As reported, severe flooding due to heavy rainfall on Friday, Sept. 29, caused some roadways, including the Bronx River Parkway, to be closed off to traffic.