Weather Alert Issued Ahead of Saturday Thunderstorms and Potential Localized Flooding
The New York City Emergency Management Department is advising New Yorkers to prepare for severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and localized flash flooding on Saturday, July 18.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for New York City from 10 a.m. Saturday through early morning Sunday as a storm system is expected to bring periods of heavy rain beginning late Saturday morning. The strongest storms and heaviest rain are anticipated Saturday afternoon into the early evening, with most activity forecast to end around 9 p.m. The city is also under slight risk for excessive rainfall and severe thunderstorms, and NYCEM has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan as a precaution. Conditions are expected to improve Sunday as the system moves east.
Multiple rounds of showers and embedded thunderstorms are forecast to produce 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall across the city on Saturday, with isolated locations receiving 2 to 4 inches where storms repeat over the same areas. Brief rainfall rates of 1.5 to 2 inches per hour are possible in stronger thunderstorms, which could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to scattered flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Localized flash flooding may impact roadways, underpasses, highways, and areas with poor drainage.
The main threat with the strongest storms is damaging wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph, capable of downing tree limbs and blowing around unsecured outdoor objects. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Stay informed by checking the forecast and signing up for emergency alerts at nyc.gov/notifynyc.
“Saturday’s storms will be fast-moving, but the strongest ones can produce damaging winds and intense downpours with little warning,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell. “As we’ve seen in recent storms, conditions can escalate quickly, and a dry morning does not mean a dry afternoon. With a full weekend of World Cup events and watch parties across the city, we’re asking New Yorkers to build flexibility into their Saturday plans, keep an eye on the sky, and be ready to move indoors quickly if thunderstorms approach, and to higher ground if flash flooding begins. Our teams have been coordinating with agencies across the city all week, and we’ll be monitoring conditions around the clock through the weekend.”
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 agencies like 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 thunderstorms and heavy rain. Do not remain in or return to areas or buildings that are flooding, and 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. Have a plan and “Be Ready” for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall by visiting nyc.gov/beready.
