A Level 3 Flood Threat Poses Risk to New York City
As a coastal storm approaches, New York City is facing a high-impact flood event with the potential for significant rainfall on Friday. The National Weather Service has issued a Level 3 out of 4 “moderate” risk for flash flooding, putting millions of people in the New York tri-state area at risk. Intense rainfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour are expected throughout the day, which could lead to dangerous flash flooding on roads and even in subway stations.
The heavy rain is expected to begin on Thursday night, reaching its peak on Friday and Friday night. In response to the forecast, New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory starting at 4 a.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Saturday. They are warning of potentially widespread travel impacts during the morning commute and urging residents to exercise caution. Commissioner Zach Iscol emphasized the importance of preparedness and advised New Yorkers to consider using public transportation if travel is necessary.
Basement flooding is also a concern, as demonstrated by the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida’s remnants two years ago. Widespread rainfall totals between 2 and 4 inches are expected, but some areas could see between 5 and 8 inches if intense bands of rain persist. The hardest-hit areas are projected to be central New Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island, southern Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley.
Even areas that receive only one inch of rain could experience flooding due to the already saturated ground from recent heavy rainfall in the Northeast. Over the past seven days, at least two inches of rain has fallen from Virginia to Massachusetts, with some areas recording over four inches. The slow-moving nature of the storm means that rain is expected to continue on Saturday before the sun finally returns on Sunday.
Adding to the flood risk is the occurrence of a supermoon on Friday morning. This will create more extreme tidal cycles and potentially increase the flood potential along the East Coast. Coastal flood advisories have been implemented over a 300-mile stretch from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Virginia Beach. Communities near shorelines and tidal waterways are warned to expect up to one foot of inundation above ground level, and partial or full road closures are possible.
In addition to the flood threat, rip currents and very high surf are also concerns. According to NOAA data, 76 people have already died in rip currents this year. The combination of heavy rain, coastal flooding, and dangerous surf makes it crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
As the storm progresses, updates and additional information can be found through local news stations and official channels such as the National Weather Service and New York City Emergency Management.