New York City authorities have urged residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding as a storm system moved across the Tri-State area on Monday. Weather forecasts indicated widespread rain and thunderstorms, with officials warning that intense downpours could inundate low-lying neighbourhoods, roads and basements.
According to forecasters, rainfall totals are expected to vary considerably depending on where the heaviest rain bands develop. While some locations may receive between one and two inches of rain, isolated pockets could record three to five inches if slow-moving thunderstorms persist. The highest flood risk remains over New York City and areas along and just northwest of the Interstate 95 corridor, where urban flooding can develop rapidly during periods of intense rainfall.
The New York City Emergency Management Department cautioned that flooding could affect streets, highways, underpasses and basement apartments. City agencies said preventive measures, including clearing catch basins and removing debris from drains, had been undertaken ahead of the storm to improve water drainage.
'Avoid travel and move out of basements'
Emergency officials advised residents to minimise travel during severe weather, warning against driving or walking through flooded roads. They also urged people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and asked those living in basement apartments to move to higher floors if flooding became imminent.
A Flood Watch remained in effect across large parts of New Jersey until Monday evening, with the National Weather Service warning that flash flooding posed the primary threat. In addition to heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms could generate damaging wind gusts in some areas. Flooding had already been reported in Paterson, New Jersey, where several vehicles became stranded on inundated roads during the morning. Authorities said the occupants were able to reach safety without injury.
Meteorologists expect rainfall and thunderstorm activity to gradually weaken later in the day and into the evening, although a few isolated storms may persist before drier conditions begin moving into the region overnight. Officials have continued to advise motorists to remain alert for unexpectedly deep water on roads and avoid flooded routes wherever possible.