NEW YORKERS URGED TO TAKE SAFETY MEASURES IN PREPARATION FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAINFALL

NEW YORKERS URGED TO TAKE SAFETY MEASURES IN PREPARATION FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAINFALL THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY

City Issues Travel Alert as Heavy Rainfall With Localized Flooding is Forecast for Thursday and Friday

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol as we speak urged New Yorkers to take instant precautions forward of robust thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast for Thursday into Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for New York City, warning of 1.3 to three inches of rain with greater quantities doable from 2PM on Thursday, July 31 by Friday, August 1. NYCEM has issued a Travel Advisory urging New Yorkers to keep away from journey from Thursday afternoon and thru Friday afternoon. Residents whose houses flood incessantly ought to take steps now to guard their property and put together to behave shortly if circumstances worsen.

The National Weather Service forecasts {that a} frontal boundary will stall close to the area on Thursday, bringing repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms by Friday morning. Heavy rainfall is feasible with any storm and will trigger flooding wherever it falls, particularly in poor-drainage or low-lying areas. NWS forecasts 1.5 to three inches of rain for the town, with domestically greater quantities doable as much as 5 inches, inflicting an elevated menace to life and property, notably on Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening. There is important mannequin uncertainty relating to the precise location and depth of the heaviest rainfall, however the heaviest rain is predicted from Thursday afternoon by Friday morning, with the occasion probably winding down by noon Friday.

New Yorkers are urged to observe trusted information and climate sources, together with emergency alerts from Notify NYC, for the most recent info. Flash flooding can develop instantly, usually quicker than forecasts or warnings will be issued, and circumstances can change in minutes. Residents, particularly these in flood-prone or below-grade residing areas, ought to be able to act instantly if circumstances start to deteriorate or relocate to a safer location earlier than the heaviest rain begins.

“Thursday’s storm system is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and potentially dangerous conditions to our city,” stated New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Flash flooding is one of the most dangerous hazards we face in New York City because it can happen quickly and without warning. Our emergency teams and city agencies are fully mobilized and prepared, but New Yorkers must also take steps to stay safe. Sign up for Notify NYC, know your exits if you live in a basement apartment, and be ready to act before conditions become life-threatening.”

“This storm system could bring intense rainfall rates and amounts in a very short period of time,” stated NYCEM Commissioner Iscol. “We have activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan and are coordinating closely with the National Weather Service and partner agencies. Every New Yorker should always be prepared for dangerous weather. Make a plan now, stay alert to changing conditions, and be ready to move quickly at the first sign of rising water, especially if you live in a basement or other below-grade space.”

NYCEM, working in coordination with accomplice companies, has absolutely activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is actively monitoring the storm’s development with the National Weather Service. As a part of the town’s proactive preparations, crews from the New York City Department of Sanitation, Department of Environmental Protection, and Department of Transportation are already inspecting and clearing catch basins in neighborhoods and corridors which are most weak to flooding. Multiple metropolis companies have been convened by the Flash Flood Emergency Plan Steering Committee to make sure the town is absolutely ready to reply quickly and successfully as circumstances evolve.

HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING FLASH FLOODING AND SEVERE STORMS

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, flooding is New York City’s most harmful public well being menace, and it could turn out to be lethal in minutes. Flash floods can flip streets into rivers and fill basements with little or no warning. Severe thunderstorms also can deliver damaging winds, hail, and downed bushes or energy traces. Basement flats are particularly harmful. People have drowned as a result of they might not escape in time.

 

Do not wait to behave. Consider leaving earlier than flooding begins or circumstances worsen:

• Plan: If you reside in a basement or below-grade residence or frequently-flooded space, relocate to a safer location as quickly as you consider circumstances may result in flooding. Pay shut consideration to climate alerts and circumstances, however don’t await a watch or warning to behave. Know the place you’ll go and the way you’re going to get there, and by no means wait till water is at your door.
• Act: Pack a Go Bag with necessities you possibly can seize shortly, together with ID, drugs, chargers, and waterproof baggage for paperwork and electronics. Consider putting in a flood sensor to supply early warning if water enters your property.
• Survive: Sign up for Notify NYC, the town’s free emergency communications program, by visiting the Notify NYC page, or calling 311. Keep telephones shut and alerts on, particularly at evening. If water outdoors is greater than 6 inches deep, it might be too late to evacuate safely. Move to the next ground instantly, keep away from floodwater which will be contaminated or electrified, and name 911 in case you are at risk.

Additional storm security actions:

• Avoid journey throughout heavy rain or robust storms. If you have to journey, enable additional time and use warning.
• Never stroll, drive, or bike by flooded streets. Do not enter flooded subway stations. The depth and pressure of water will be life-threatening.
• Stay indoors throughout thunderstorms and away from home windows. Flying particles and downed bushes will be harmful.
• Move autos to greater floor in case you are in a flood-prone space.
• Clear particles from gutters and drains close to your property to assist cut back localized flooding.
• Treat any downed energy traces as dwell. Stay away and report them to 911.

For the most recent updates, go to NYCEM’s web site, join emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or name 311.