New York, NY – A widespread Flood Watch has been issued across the New York City metro region, with torrential downpours expected to drench the area from Thursday afternoon through Friday. Commuters and residents could face flooded roads, dangerous travel, and rapid rises on small rivers, especially late Thursday into Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is likely across New York City, North Jersey, Long Island, and southern Connecticut, with some locations seeing up to 5 inches. Rainfall rates may top 2 inches per hour during the heaviest bands, raising the risk for flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
Impacted locations include all five boroughs, Hudson and Bergen counties in New Jersey, and coastal Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut. Major roads such as I-95, the FDR Drive, the BQE, and the Cross Bronx Expressway may experience flooding and significant slowdowns. The threat extends to subways and rail lines, where water can disrupt service or strand commuters.
Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel during heavy rain, move vehicles from flood-prone streets, and prepare for potential power outages. Emergency crews are on alert for water rescues and street closures, similar to the flash flood event that snarled the region in September 2023.
The Flood Watch remains in effect until Friday afternoon, with additional advisories possible as storms evolve. Stay tuned for updates and heed all emergency alerts.
