STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Islanders are being urged to stay out of floodwater this weekend as a nor’easter threatens coastal flooding along the borough’s eastern shore.
When the water rises
NYC Emergency Management officials warned that floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, oil, debris and other contaminants that pose health and safety hazards.
Even water that appears shallow or clear can conceal debris, damaged pavement or other dangers. Never walk or drive through floodwater, no matter how shallow it looks. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, while 1 foot of water can sweep a vehicle away.
Residents in low-lying areas should move vehicles to higher ground ahead of the storm.
Storm timeline
Rain is expected to begin Friday afternoon and continue through Sunday, with 1 to 2 inches possible. Winds are expected to strengthen late Friday into Saturday morning, with gusts reaching 40 mph. Coastal flooding is most likely around the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides.
Mayor Mamdani and NYCEM are monitoring the storm, which is expected to pass offshore while keeping its heaviest rainfall east of the city.
“We’re keeping a close eye on the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, which could bring flooding to low-lying areas on Staten Island’s eastern shore, in the Rockaways and around Jamaica Bay,” NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell said.
The system is expected to move farther offshore Saturday night, with conditions improving into Sunday.
“While this storm is expected to pass offshore and keep the heaviest rain east of New York City, New Yorkers should still prepare for gusty winds, rain and coastal flooding this weekend,” Mamdani said.
Farrell urged residents to bring in or secure outdoor items before the stronger winds arrive. Those traveling should allow extra time and watch for ponding on roads, she said. She also warned people never to walk or drive through floodwater or go around traffic barricades.
Rough surf, rip currents
The storm could also create dangerous beach conditions, with a high risk of rip currents expected through at least Saturday. Rough surf may cause some erosion, though officials said the threat is greater along Long Island than at New York City beaches.
City beaches closed for the season Sept. 13, and swimming is no longer permitted because lifeguards are not on duty.
NYCEM is holding daily briefings with the National Weather Service and other city agencies to track the storm and coordinate preparations.
Mamdani urged residents to monitor changing storm conditions and sign up for Notify NYC emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.
Basement apartment residents can also register through Notify NYC for automated phone alerts during flooding.