New York City is bracing for possible flooding Tuesday, with storms on tap that could bring heavy rain and damaging winds.

A Flood Watch is in effect for the five boroughs until 2 a.m. Wednesday. Storms could push in as soon as 4 or 5 p.m. Tuesday and stick around through around 10 p.m.

.@NWSNewYorkNY Flood Watch for NYC: 8 AM on 7/21-2 AM on 7/22. 1 to 2 in. of rain may cause flooding of roadways & streets. Do not drive or walk where water covers the roadway. Prepare to move to higher ground during periods of heavy rain. Info: https://t.co/oBGvYAYGD9. #NYwx

— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) July 20, 2026

A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible. Some areas could get up to 3 or more inches, which could cause street, subway and garden unit flooding.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is urging New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.

New Yorkers, tomorrow the city will experience multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the strongest storms and greatest risk in the late afternoon and evening.

Please exercise caution. Go inside if there’s thunder, heavy rain, or strong winds.

If you live in a…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 21, 2026

“Please exercise caution. Go inside if there’s thunder, heavy rain, or strong winds,” Mamdani wrote on social media. “If you live in a basement apartment, know your exits and be ready to move to a higher floor if heavy rain begins.”

“City agencies are prepared to respond, but we need everyone to be careful out there,” he added.

The MTA has banned empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from crossing its bridges between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday due to the risk of high winds.

The city, meanwhile, is urging residents to clear leaves and debris from catch basins near their homes — safety permitting — to help avoid street flooding.

Gov. Kathy Hochul also advised city residents to take precautions.

“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we experience widespread storms this afternoon that can be severe and cause flash flooding,” she said in a statement. “State agencies are ready and mobilized to keep New Yorkers safe, and I encourage everyone to stay weather aware and monitor their local forecast.”