NYC Emergency Management Issues Travel Advisory for Heavy Rainfall and Potential Flash Flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for Tuesday, August 6, through Wednesday, August 7, due to anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch citywide from 2:00 p.m. Tuesday to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday. A frontal boundary moving through the metro area is expected to bring isolated showers and thunderstorms, with heavier rain and minor flooding possible by Tuesday morning. Storm activity is likely to increase Tuesday afternoon, continuing overnight into Wednesday.

Mayor Eric Adams urged New Yorkers to prepare for the storm: “Stay informed, stay alert, and stay put during the worst of it. Our agencies are ready to respond, but we need everyone to do their part. Sign up for Notify NYC and listen to the experts. We’ll get through this together.”

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol emphasized the need for caution: “Heavy rain and flash flooding are expected to disrupt travel. Our response plan is activated, and we’re coordinating with city agencies and utility partners to ensure safety. Stay informed through Notify NYC and check on those who may need extra help.”

The NWS predicts 1 to 2 inches of rain, with higher amounts possible if the boundary stalls over the city. Flash flooding could occur quickly in low-lying areas, and travel disruptions are likely during the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Strong wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph may also cause damage and power outages.

Residents are urged to subscribe to emergency alerts on Notify NYC and stay informed about weather conditions. NYCEM advises caution while traveling, expecting delays, and staying off roads during active weather to allow emergency crews to respond effectively.

NYC Emergency Management has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, coordinating with the National Weather Service, state agencies, and private partners. Emergency assets and response teams are on standby, and the Emergency Operations Center is ready to address potential weather hazards. Crews are inspecting and clearing catch basins in flood-prone areas, and NYCEM’s 24/7 Watch Command is monitoring weather systems in the Atlantic.

NYCEM urges residents, especially those in flood-prone areas and basement apartments, to prepare by staying alert and informed, creating a safety plan, and having a Go Bag with essential supplies.

Safety Guidance from NYCEM:

• Allow extra travel time and expect delays. Use public transportation when possible.
• Avoid walking, biking, or driving into flooded streets or subway stations.
• If you live in a basement, prepare to move to higher ground if flooding begins.
• Property owners should clear roofs, crawlspaces, vents, decks, and gutters.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors who may need assistance.
• Charge phones and have a flashlight and batteries ready. Call 911 if you need immediate assistance during a power outage.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car.

Report power outages to Con Edison at 800-75-CONED, National Grid at 718-643-4050, or PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0025.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/WeatherUpdates and sign up for Notify NYC to receive emergency alerts in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. Visit the Notify NYC website, call 311, or download the Notify NYC app.