Storm Team 4

Torrential Rain, 50 MPH Winds Eye NYC Area as Nicole's Remnants Hit; Tornadoes Possible

Nicole was downgraded to a tropical depression late Thursday after making landfall in Florida earlier in the day as a Category 1 hurricane. Here's what to expect for the New York area over the next 48 hours

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What to Know

  • Showers start early but Nicole's remnants combine with an approaching cold front to make for heavy rain and intense wind gusts Friday afternoon into Saturday
  • Some storms could turn severe Friday afternoon and early Saturday, potentially triggering flash floods in low-lying areas. Whipping winds and isolated tornadoes are also possible
  • The coldest air of the season arrives next week, with temps expected to plunge to the 40s on Monday and stay there through the 10-day NYC outlook

The weakened remnants of Nicole arrive in the New York area later Friday, a day after the storm made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, the third such system this November in the Atlantic Basin.

After pelting the area with rain for most of the afternoon and evening, the wind will pick up overnight, potentially bringing up to 50 mph gusts along the coasts and up to 45 mph gusts inland along with bouts of torrential rain. A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected, though locally higher amounts up to 3 inches are possible. Tornadoes aren't out of the question either, nor is flash flooding or wind damage.

Nicole's remnants combined with an approaching front Friday that made matters more complicated. The combo will continue to brings showers to New York City into Saturday morning across the tri-state, particularly north and west of the city.

It won't be non-stop into Saturday morning, but when the rain falls, it is likely to be heavy at times. Damaging wind gusts area-wide are possible, with one last band of strong storms to pass through around 3 a.m. Spots that see those strong winds may also be more likely to see isolated severe weather. The worst weather moves out by early Saturday.

Gusty winds will gradually ease through the day, and skies will being to clear out in afternoon as temperatures climb into the upper 60s and even low 70s. Some spots could even hit record highs!

Check the latest severe weather alerts in your neighborhood here.

nicole impacts tri-state
Storm Team 4

The city activated its flash flood emergency plan ahead of the storm's arrival, requiring various agencies to fan out across the five boroughs to inspect (and clean, if necessary) catch basins at hundreds of flood-prone locations. Some areas in New Jersey were seen clearing out similar basins Thursday in anticipation of the storm.

This work is already underway -- and all New Yorkers are encouraged to take the same simple debris-clearing step to help prevent flooding. You can also call 311 if you want the city to deal with it for you.

Take a look at some of the severe weather threats facing the tri-state area Friday into Saturday.


Nicole Eyes Tri-State: What to Expect

nicole severe risk
Storm Team 4
Here's a look at the severe weather risk.

Wind Advisory Issued

wind advisory nyc
Storm Team 4

Expected Rainfall Totals

rain friday
Storm Team 4
Here's a look at the projected rain totals through Saturday.

Utilities in New York and New Jersey issued a warning to customers before the rough weather started Friday, warning the wild winds could bring down power lines and cause outages -- or life-threatening danger to unaware pedestrians.

PSE&G said its employees in Long Island and New Jersey had been performing system checks and prepping for potential outages through much of the week in anticipation of issues.

In the city, Con Ed said it might guard any downed wires until crews make repairs because of the threat they could be live. The utility urged anyone who sees a downed wire to stay away from it and call local police or 1-800-75-CONED. Downed wires were blamed for two storm-related deaths in Florida when the storm hit as a hurricane this week.

Gov. Kathy Hochul also urged New Yorkers to take adequate precautions ahead of the storm. She said the state was ready to assist local government partners as needed.

"Starting Friday night, a late-season weather system has the potential to dump three inches or more of rain in some locations, and I urge all New Yorkers to prepare in the event of a flooding situation," the Democrat said. "If you are planning to travel Friday and Saturday, please use caution and check local weather conditions before heading out."

Once Nicole -- and that unrelated front -- pass through, colder air dives in and highs will struggle to reach 50 degrees from Sunday through next week. It is November, after all, so get those winter coats ready (if they're not already).

Here's a look at your 10-day NYC forecast.

The storm had been expected to dump up to 8 inches of rain on parts of the Florida peninsula as it walloped the Ian-ravaged state with dangerous waves and storm surge, along with intense rain and wind, according to the National Hurricane Center. NHC downgraded Nicole to a tropical storm early Thursday, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Most sustained winds had fallen even further by Thursday night.

The Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

Track any approaching storms using our interactive radar below.

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