New York, New York – Residents across New York City, northeast New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley and southwestern Connecticut should prepare for a prolonged period of heavy rain that could produce life-threatening flash flooding through Wednesday. Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to bring rapid flooding to streets, underpasses, small streams and other low-lying areas, especially during the late afternoon through Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, a slow-moving low pressure system will generate multiple waves of heavy rain through Wednesday. A Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday for much of the region, with forecasters warning that additional counties could be added if conditions warrant.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches are expected across portions of northeast New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley and southwestern Connecticut, with isolated amounts exceeding 7 inches possible. Elsewhere across the metro area, widespread totals of 2 to 3 inches are forecast, with isolated amounts topping 5 inches. Rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour, creating dangerous flash flooding in urban neighborhoods, poor-drainage areas and along fast-responding creeks and streams.
Communities including New York City, White Plains, Newburgh, Middletown, Danbury, Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury, Newark and Paramus face the greatest flooding concern. Minor to isolated moderate flooding is also possible on smaller rivers and streams if repeated downpours develop.
A few thunderstorms this afternoon and evening could also become severe, particularly across northeast New Jersey and New York City, where wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph may down trees and power lines, causing scattered power outages.
Residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways, move vehicles from flood-prone streets where possible and closely monitor weather alerts throughout the day. Flash Flood Warnings and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings may be issued with little notice as the heaviest bands of rain develop.
