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Travel Advisory Issued For NYC Through Tuesday Morning

New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory for Monday evening, April 18, through Tuesday morning, April 19. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for New York City beginning at 10 p.m. Monday through 8 a.m. Tuesday. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, moderate to heavy rain is expected citywide beginning at 9 p.m. Monday through 5 a.m. Tuesday, with an expected rainfall total of 1.00 – 1.50 inches with the potential of over 2 inches of rain in some areas, which may impact the morning commute. The heavy rains may cause flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. The National Weather Service has also issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Southern Queens and a Coastal Flood Warning for the Bronx and Northern Queens for early morning Tuesday.

Rain will taper off early Tuesday morning, though light rain will remain possible on and off through the evening, with little to no additional accumulation. Winds are expected to be 20 mph to 30 mph and peak wind gusts of up to 45 mph are expected between 9 p.m. Monday to and 4 a.m. Tuesday. Winds will begin to increase after a brief lull around 7 a.m. and continue through Tuesday evening. Light rain will continue through Tuesday afternoon.

“While we have enjoyed some cool and clear blue skies during our first weeks of spring, this weather also brings the threat of heavy rains, and we urge New Yorkers to prepare for potential heavy rains and gusty winds tonight throughout the early morning,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution. If you must travel, consider using public transportation and allow for extra travel time, and if you must drive, do not enter flooded roadways.”

Safety Tips 

  • If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain.
  • If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.  
  • If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance. 
  • Exercise caution when traveling. Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers the roadway as the water depth may be too great to allow you to cross safely. Use mass transit if possible.
  • When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle. 
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • Avoid flooded subway stations.
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. 
  • If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live. 
  • Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel. 

Prepare for Power Outages 

  • To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer. 
  • Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries. 
  • If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911. 
  • Do not use generators indoors. 
  • Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed. 

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