New York, NY – Strong winds and pockets of coastal flooding are set to impact New York City on Friday, raising concerns for travel, waterfront areas, and unsecured holiday decorations ahead of the busy pre-holiday weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, a Wind Advisory remains in effect from midnight Thursday night through midnight Friday night for southeastern New York, including all five boroughs. Southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected, with gusts reaching 50 mph and isolated gusts near 60 mph possible Friday morning.
At the same time, a Coastal Flood Statement is in effect from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday for Manhattan. Up to a half-foot of minor inundation is possible in low-lying, vulnerable areas near the waterfront, including portions of the West Side Highway and areas adjacent to the East River. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways during the morning commute.
Gusty winds may bring down small tree limbs and cause isolated power outages, particularly in exposed areas and near the coast. High-profile vehicles could have difficulty on bridges and elevated roadways, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, RFK Bridge, and the FDR Drive.
Conditions improve Friday night as winds ease. Looking ahead, the pattern turns quieter early next week, with Christmas Eve on Wednesday currently shaping up dry and seasonable, a favorable setup for holiday travel and last-minute plans. Wind advisories remain in effect through Friday night, and additional statements may be issued as conditions evolve.
