“Peak hourly rainfall rates could reach around 2 inches with total rainfall amounts expected to be between 1.5 and 2.5 inches with locally higher amounts possible,” the National Weather Service forecasters said.
Still, storms are expected to keep moving through the area rather than repeatedly soaking the same neighborhoods, which could help limit the duration of the heaviest rain.
“Thursday’s storms could produce very heavy rain over a short period of time, and even localized flooding can quickly create dangerous conditions,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said.
Farrell urged commuters to give themselves extra time and warned New Yorkers not to enter flooded streets, subway stations or other low-lying areas.
Those living in basement apartments should be particularly cautious, officials said.