STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency that includes Staten Island as a powerful coastal storm threatens New York City, Long Island and parts of the lower Hudson Valley with coastal flooding, dangerous surf, strong winds and possible power outages through the weekend.
The emergency declaration covers Richmond County, as well as the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island and Westchester counties, according to an announcement from the governor’s office.
“We’re expecting dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds and potential power outages through the weekend,” the governor said. “Take this storm seriously. Stay alert, and avoid unnecessary travel.”
The storm began impacting New York on Friday and is expected to continue through Sunday, prompting state officials to activate the State Emergency Operations Center at an enhanced monitoring level.
Coastal flooding is the primary concern, especially during high-tide cycles. A Coastal Flood Warning has been issued for Long Island, New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson Valley.
State officials said the worst flooding is expected along Long Island’s South Shore, as well as portions of lower New York Harbor and coastal areas of the Bronx, Westchester and northern Nassau County along Long Island Sound.
Conditions are expected to continue to worsen on Staten Island overnight and through tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS is also forecasting hazardous marine conditions, including strong rip currents and large waves.
Officials urged residents to avoid boating, swimming and visiting beaches while the storm is active.
Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, with downed trees and power lines creating the potential for scattered outages. The state announcement said 5,675 utility and emergency response workers are available for restoration and repair efforts, including 175 mutual-aid contractors secured by Con Edison.
Forecasters are calling for 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across much of the region, with 3 to 5 inches possible on eastern Long Island. While widespread flash flooding is not expected, isolated flooding remains possible, particularly in flood-prone areas.
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control has pre-positioned high-axle vehicles and swift-water rescue teams ahead of the storm, the announcement said.
State officials urged New Yorkers to monitor forecasts and emergency alerts throughout the weekend and to prepare for rapidly changing conditions in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities.