STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City has activated its flash flood emergency plan in response to forecasted heavy rain for the five boroughs on Sunday night.
New York City Emergency Management issued a weather alert for Sunday night into Monday morning as expected rain could bring heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
These conditions could lead to urban and poor-drainage flooding, with a risk of localized flash flooding, according to the agency.
“As the weekend comes to a close, New Yorkers should expect to see showers and thunderstorms that could produce heavy downpours and flash flooding in certain areas,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement.
“We have activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and City agencies are prepared for potential impacts and ready to jump into action as needed,” the statement continued.
Later Sunday, New York City residents can expect widespread rainfall between 0.5 and 0.75 inches. Brief periods of heavy rain could reach around 1 inch an hour during thunderstorms.
Initially, rain will be light to moderate, according to the National Weather Service. More showers and possible thunderstorms are expected late Sunday into early Monday.
Winds of around 10 to 20 mph will be possible, with gusts reaching around 30 mph.
The heavy rain could affect travel, city officials warn.
“We could see changing weather conditions Sunday evening into Monday morning, including periods of heavy rain that may affect travel,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell.
“Give yourself extra time, never enter a flooded street, and pay close attention to conditions if you live in a basement or other low-lying area,” Farrell continued.