Travel Advisory Issued Through Monday For NYC As Storms Expected Sunday Night
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) is advising New Yorkers to prepare for periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms and localized flooding beginning overnight Sunday, July 5, and continuing through the morning of Tuesday, July 7, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). While most of Sunday will remain dry, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate late this evening, with the greatest travel impacts expected during the Monday morning commute and continuing through Monday night.
“As we’ve seen in recent storms, flash flooding can develop quickly and create dangerous conditions with little warning,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “We’re expecting periods of heavy rain to especially impact the Monday morning commute and continue through the day, so New Yorkers should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.”
NWS has issued a Flood Watch in effect through 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. Multiple rounds of rain and embedded thunderstorms are forecast to produce 2 to 3 inches of rainfall across the city through Tuesday morning, with isolated locations receiving up to 4 inches. Brief rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible in stronger thunderstorms, which could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
The highest risk for flooding is expected Monday morning through Monday night as additional rain moves across the region. Localized flash flooding may impact roadways, underpasses, highways, and areas with poor drainage. Briefly strong thunderstorms could also produce gusty winds capable of downing tree limbs and blowing around unsecured outdoor objects.
NYCEM has activated the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, coordinating closely with NWS city and state agencies, utility providers and private sector partners. This proactive approach includes pre-storm actions such as targeted inspection and clearing of catch basins in flood-prone areas by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation to help reduce street flooding before heavy rain begins. Coordinated interagency calls ensure partners are briefed on emerging risks and prepared to escalate response operations as needed, while specialized emergency assets and response teams remain on standby for rapid deployment. NYCEM’s 24/7 Watch Command continuously monitors weather conditions and tracks developing systems in real time.
New Yorkers should allow extra travel time during periods of heavy rain, especially during the Monday evening commute. Avoid driving through flooded streets. Even shallow water can stall vehicles. Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture or trash bins before winds increase. If thunder is heard, move indoors and stay away from open areas. Clear debris from nearby storm drains if it is safe to do so to help reduce street flooding. Stay informed by checking the forecast and signing up for emergency alerts at nyc.gov/notifynyc. Have a plan and “Be Ready” for thunderstorms and rainfall by visiting nyc.gov/beready.
