NYC Emergency Management Issues Weather Alert Over Shabbos

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Weather Alert for Friday, January 12 into Saturday, January 13, 2024. According to the National Weather Service, moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, and minor to moderate coastal flooding are likely tonight into Saturday.

Moderate to locally heavy rain

Citywide totals of 1 to 1.5 inches of rain at rates around 0.10 to 0.25 inch/hour. The heaviest rain will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Minor flooding is likely, resulting in scattered disruptions to transportation and minor flooding of basements, first floors, and some underground infrastructure. Isolated thunderstorms and lightning are also possible overnight.

Gusty to strong winds possible

A Wind Advisory has been issued citywide from 10 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m tomorrow for southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Strong gusts may result in scattered downed tree limbs, with a few downed trees, power lines, and power outages possible. Poorly secured outdoor objects may be damaged or blown away. This may result in scattered downed tree limbs, with a few downed trees, power lines, and power outages. Poorly secured outdoor objects may be damaged or blown away. Gusts of 35 to 45 mph continue throughout the day Saturday into Sunday.

Minor to locally major coastal flooding

Less than 1 foot of minor flooding is possible Friday night, with peak tide around 9 p.m. in New York Harbor and midnight in the Long Island Sound.

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for south Queens from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for 2 to 2.5 feet of moderate flooding. In some areas, 3 feet of locally major flooding will be possible, especially as tidal piling overnight will inhibit the recession of water as the high tide rises. This may cause numerous road closures, widespread flooding of low-lying properties, including basements and first floors, and flood-damaged vehicles.

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for the Bronx and north Queens from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Saturday for 1.5 to 2 feet of minor flooding. Another Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for 1 to 2 feet of minor flooding. These may result in minor flooding of low-lying roads and properties near the shoreline.

Lastly, along Atlantic-facing beaches, 8 to 12 foot breaking waves may cause dune erosion and overwashes overnight and Saturday morning.