What to Know
- Rain began moving in Sunday afternoon and turned heavier overnight; winds could gust up to 40 mph
- A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected for the region, which could cause coastal flooding in low-lying and other vulnerable areas. Some spots could even see upwards of 3 inches
- Timing is looking less and less ideal, as the rain may linger into Monday morning's commute, especially on Long Island. We cool down again later next week
A nasty storm is dumping a whole lot of rain and powerful wind gusts on the tri-state with the potential to knock out power and lead to flooding by the time the system clears out Monday morning.
A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected for the region, which could cause coastal flooding in low-lying and other vulnerable areas. Some spots could even see upwards of 3 inches. The rain threatens to linger into the Monday morning commute, especially on Long Island.
Winds will also be a factor, gusting upwards of 40 mph. Isolated damage is possible in those conditions. Expect the strongest gusts to peak overnight between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.
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While rain and strong winds remain the primary threat in downstate areas, New York residents further upstate could see rain turn to wet snow overnight.
New York City activated its flash flood plan in anticipation of the storm. Crews have been dispatched to flood-prone locations across the five boroughs to ensure catch basins are operating properly so rain can drain off the streets.
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The city also put a travel advisory in place until Monday afternoon, telling New Yorkers to limit travel and stay inside as conditions on the road are likely to worsen as the night goes on. Anyone needing to travel has been advised to use public transportation.
In anticipation of the storm, the city canceled Sunday's street closures along 5th Avenue for the second annual "Holiday Open Streets."
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul psoted on X Friday afternoon: "We're tracking a major weather system that will impact much of the state on Sunday & Monday. Snow, rain & gusty winds could cause flooding, dangerous travel & power outages. Agencies are ready to assist localities if needed. Please monitor the forecast & take steps to prepare."
The MTA said it is monitoring weather conditions and will respond to weather-related issues including removing fallen trees from tracks.
Empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks will face a ban from Sunday at 6 p.m. until Monday at 6 a.m. by MTA Bridges and Tunnels.
“Bridges and Tunnels is prepared for the high winds forecasted to pass through the area Sunday into Monday, which pose particular concern on bridges,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan in a statement. “We will be closely monitoring wind speeds and conditions at our facilities and be ready to respond to any weather-related issues.”
Once this system moves out, we're looking at cooler weather for the rest of next week. It should be sunny, but don't expect highs to top 50 degrees in the immediate future.
Check out our 10-day forecast below. Get more need-to-know weather information here.