What to Know
- A storm system moved into the tri-state area on Monday afternoon, which resulted in a cloudy, rainy New Year’s Eve, Storm Team 4 says
- New Year’s Eve revelers had to bring a rain jacket with them if they planned to go out at night; no umbrellas were permitted in Times Square
- It was the first wet New Year's Eve in 24 years
New Year’s Eve revelers had to don ponchos as they headed out to celebrate - as heavy rain fell at midnight for the first time in 24 years, Storm Team 4 said. And it wasn't just some spot showers.
Rain started following Monday afternoon and conditions gradually worsened as Times Square filled up with revelers.
Rainfall was steady and heavy at times, and at the stroke of midnight it was wet for the first time since New Year's Eve 1994. Some spots on Long Island could see more than an inch of rain before the weather moves out, and as of mid-day Monday both Long Branch and Patchogue had cancelled planned events due to the storms.
Unfortunately for Times Square-goers, umbrellas weren't permitted in the area, so rain jackets and ponchos had to suffice.
The good news: There was a star-studded lineup set to welcome in 2019. And NBC News' Lester Holt was the one to push the button at ball-drop time.
Also good news: this New Year's Eve was one of the warmest on record — a change from last year's, which saw frigid temperatures. Monday night's festivities should be almost 40 degrees warmer than a year ago, with midnight temps forecast around 49 degrees, close to the same as the day's high.
Local
Tuesday is expected to be warm as well, with a high of 58 degrees forecast as morning clouds give way to sunshine, Storm Team 4 says.
