(Reuters) – Heavy rainfall in New York City and the northeastern United States is causing widespread concern over potential flooding. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings, stating that the region is facing a moderate risk for flash flooding. With intense rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, and even higher isolated rates, the morning commute for many could be dangerous due to serious flash flooding on roads and in subway stations.
As a result, New York City officials have issued a travel advisory, urging residents to prepare for heavy rain and potential flooding throughout Friday and Saturday morning. They are advising people to use public transportation if possible and to avoid entering flooded roadways.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York has also announced precautions, stating that while there may be impacts to service, they plan to run service everywhere the MTA operates. The MTA has installed drain covers and will be deploying pump trains and crews to strategic locations throughout the transit system. Additional buses are on standby to provide supplemental service if necessary.
The highest amounts of rain are expected in central New Jersey, Long Island in New York, southern Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley. Widespread rainfall totals between 2 and 4 inches are expected, with some areas possibly receiving between 5 and 8 inches. This potential flood threat is of particular concern for cities like New York, which experienced deadly basement flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The flooding impacts could be further exacerbated by the final supermoon of the year, which will create more extreme tidal cycles along the East Coast. Coastal flood advisories extend from Bridgeport, Connecticut, through Virginia Beach, with up to a foot of inundation expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
With these weather conditions, it is important for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Regular updates from local authorities, such as the NYC Emergency Management and the MTA, should be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the affected areas.
