New York, New York – Rainfall rates could reach 1 to locally 2 inches per hour across New York City and northeast New Jersey Thursday, creating a flash-flood threat during the afternoon and evening commute, especially between 3 and 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, showers and embedded thunderstorms will move through the region late Thursday afternoon and evening. Most locations could receive 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, while isolated totals near 3 inches are possible. A Level 2 of 4 risk for excessive rainfall covers New York City and northeast New Jersey, and a Flood Watch could become necessary.
The highest rainfall amounts are expected across New York City, northeast New Jersey, southwestern Connecticut, Long Island and portions of the Lower Hudson Valley. The Weather Service’s rainfall map shows around 0.81 inch at Newark, 0.80 inch in New York City, 0.99 inch near Syosset and 0.93 inch at both JFK and Islip.
Urban streets, poor-drainage locations, low-lying areas and quick-responding streams face the greatest flooding risk. Drivers should avoid water-covered roads and allow extra time for the Thursday evening commute. Subway, bus and airport travelers should also monitor conditions as intense downpours approach.
An isolated strong to severe thunderstorm with damaging wind gusts cannot be ruled out. The Weather Service plans another briefing at 6 a.m. Thursday, and additional flood alerts could follow as the heaviest rain approaches.
