The New York City Emergency Management Department today urged New Yorkers to be prepared for high winds, heavy rain, and localized minor to moderate coastal flooding on Monday, January 23, 2017. The potential for heavy winds and rain will create hazardous travel conditions Monday.
“New York City is expecting strong, gusty winds and two to three inches of rain Monday, with possible minor to moderate coastal flooding in vulnerable areas along the coast,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “We’re urging New Yorkers to use extra caution when outdoors Monday and allow for extra travel time during tomorrow’s commutes. Coastal residents in vulnerable neighborhoods should take steps to protect their property ahead of this storm.”
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning from 1:00 a.m. Monday through 1:00 a.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Watch for New York City from 1:00 p.m. Monday through 5:00 a.m. Tuesday.
A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued from 3:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. Monday for along the southern shores of Queens, and areas near the coastline in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday along the northern shores of Queens and areas near the coastline in Bronx.
During a Coastal Flood Advisory, minor flooding of the most vulnerable shore roads and/or properties is possible. Coastal residents should be alert for updates and take action to protect property.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 3:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. Monday for areas near the coastline in Staten Island.
During a Coastal Flood Warning, widespread moderate flooding is expected, resulting in beach erosion and flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or properties. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
A weak area of low pressure is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to the New York City area through Monday. Light rain accompanied by high winds is forecast to begin Sunday evening, increasing overnight into Monday. The heaviest rain and strongest winds are forecast Monday afternoon through Monday night, with sustained winds of 30 mph to 40 mph and gusts of 60 mph to 70 mph predicted. The rain is expected to subside Monday night and winds are expected to decrease early Tuesday morning. A total of two to three inches of rain is forecast, but locally higher amounts are possible. Urban flooding may occur in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Flash flooding cannot be ruled out during the periods of heaviest rain. NYC residents living in coastal areas expected to experience minor to moderate coastal flooding should take action to protect their property.
The New York City Department of Buildings has issued a release advising property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures to secure their construction sites, buildings and equipment. The Buildings Department will also be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action – issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.
The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan has been activated to ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events. Additionally, the City’s Downed Tree Task Force has been notified. This multi-agency task force is responsible for coordinating the response to a large downed tree event. NYC Emergency Management has also notified elected officials of the impending storm, and has issued an Advance Warning System (AWS) message to more than 1200 service providers who disseminate information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. NYC Emergency Management will deploy Citywide Interagency Coordinators to coastal locations during Monday and Tuesday high tide cycles to facilitate coordination and information collection. New York City Emergency Management will continue to work closely with The National Weather Service to monitor the storm.
The Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation, and Department of Sanitation regularly target recurring flood locations for catch basin cleaning and maintenance prior to major weather events. During flooding events, DEP patrols highways to identify and clear catch basin grates when possible.
Safety tips:
If you are driving during periods of high winds:
Additional wind guidance from the NYC Department of Buildings:
To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
Coastal Flooding Preparations
NYC residents living in coastal areas expected to experience minor coastal flooding should take the following preparedness steps:
