New York City and surrounding parts of the Northeast are bracing for heavy rain and possible life-threatening flash flooding, with authorities warning of hazardous travel, flooded roads and major disruptions through Wednesday morning.According to the New York Post, the National Weather Service has placed New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, much of Connecticut, northern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania under a Flood Watch as slow-moving thunderstorms move across the region.Forecasters say many areas could receive 2 to 5 inches of rain, while isolated downpours may dump 2 to 3 inches in a single hour, significantly increasing the risk of flash flooding.The heaviest rain is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, with some parts of the Catskills forecast to receive 6 to 8 inches within hours.The US Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, while surrounding areas face slight to marginal flood risks.
Hundreds of flights disrupted
The severe weather has already affected air travel across the New York metropolitan area. Flight disruptions mounted as airlines prepared for the storms, with hundreds of departures canceled at the region’s major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.Officials warned that additional cancellations and delays are possible as the weather system moves through the region.
Officials urge residents to stay alert
The New York City Emergency Management Department advised residents to allow extra travel time and avoid flooded roads, warning that heavy rain could quickly inundate streets, underpasses and low-lying neighborhoods.Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to prepare for dangerous weather, saying even a short burst of intense rainfall could trigger flash flooding in vulnerable areas.New York Governor Kathy Hochul also urged residents to monitor weather updates and avoid driving through flooded roads.“New York State will be experiencing a prolonged rain event beginning Tuesday that will bring heavy rains and cause flash flooding,” Hochul said, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow local forecasts. She reiterated the safety message: “When in doubt, turn around, don’t drown.”
Storm system follows destructive Midwest weather
The storm system is the same one that swept across the Midwest earlier this week, spawning multiple tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail. It also knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers and caused widespread flight disruptions before moving east.Officials noted that New York remains particularly sensitive to heavy rain after the deadly flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021, and urged residents to remain cautious as the latest storms move through the region.