NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) \u2014 New Yorkers heading home from their commute this afternoon should prepare for heavy downpours.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for all five boroughs, placing the city under a slight risk level 2 out of 4 for excessive rainfall, with isolated to scattered flash flooding possible.<\/p>\n
\u00a0More Local News\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n The heaviest rain is expected between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The flood watch remains in effect until 2 a.m.<\/p>\n New York City Emergency Management issued a weather alert and activated the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan as the evening commute is expected to be impacted.<\/p>\n Call 911\u00a0if you are in immediate danger or trapped by rising water.<\/p>\n Once you leave a flooded area, do not go back.\u00a0Floodwater can rise in minutes. What looked safe when you left may not be safe when you return. Wait until officials confirm it is clear.<\/p>\n Turn Around, Don’t Drown.\u00a0Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater \u2013 no matter how shallow it looks. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. Just 1 foot of water can sweep away a car. Water on streets can conceal open drains, downed power lines, and uneven surfaces.<\/p>\n Never drive through flooded roads or underpasses.\u00a0Turn around and find another route. Never drive around barricades \u2013 they are there for your safety.<\/p>\n Avoid entering flooded subway stations. If you are already underground, follow MTA guidance and move to street level if water is entering the station. During prolonged rainfall, station and track flooding can develop gradually \u2013 check MTA alerts before traveling.<\/p>\n Do not touch floodwater.\u00a0It may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or debris, and it may carry electrical current from downed lines or submerged equipment.<\/p>\n Do not touch electrical equipment or appliances\u00a0if you or the equipment are wet.<\/p>\n For a full list of the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n Nicole Alarcon is an award-winning digital content producer. She has covered local news for the tri-state area since 2021. She joined PIX11 News in 2026. See more of her work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n