New York, NY – Heavy rain is expected to swamp parts of New York City, northeast New Jersey, and Long Island starting this afternoon, triggering a widespread flash flood threat through early Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, a slow-moving frontal system will unleash 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across the region, with localized pockets of up to 5 inches possible. Most of the rain could fall within just 3 to 6 hours this afternoon and evening, with rainfall rates topping 2–3 inches per hour in some locations.
Areas under the highest risk include the NYC metro, northeastern NJ, LoHud (Lower Hudson Valley), and southwest Connecticut. Urban flooding, basement inundations, and road washouts are likely—especially near rivers, streams, and poor drainage zones. The NWS warns of a locally severe flood threat, particularly in western Long Island and NYC, with a chance of water rescues.
Residents in Stamford, Bridgeport, Newark, and the Bronx should avoid low-lying roads and underground infrastructure. “Turn around, don’t drown” remains critical advice.
Showers are expected to taper off by midnight, but lingering moisture could keep flood-prone spots underwater into Friday. Additional alerts may be issued as rainfall patterns evolve.
