NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS TODAY

August 20, 2026

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NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS TODAY 

New Yorkers Should Prepare for Possible Flash Flooding and Significant Travel Disruptions This Afternoon and Evening

NEW YORK – New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Travel Advisory for in the present day, Thursday, August 20, as thunderstorms able to producing very heavy rain strategy the area this afternoon and night. The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has positioned New York City and enormous elements of the encircling area in a Moderate Risk for extreme rainfall, Level 3 of 4. A Moderate Risk means quite a few flash floods are attainable, together with doubtlessly vital flooding, in some places.

Forecasts are assured in heavy rain and impacts are anticipated throughout town. Some neighborhoods might obtain regionally heavier downpours from the strongest thunderstorms and will expertise very heavy rainfall over a brief interval, with flooding growing shortly and creating harmful journey situations.

New Yorkers ought to plan for attainable vital disruptions this afternoon and night fairly than anticipate situations to deteriorate. Anyone touring ought to permit additional time, carefully monitor climate and transit situations, and be ready to delay or change plans if heavy rain or flooding develops.

NYCEM has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the National Weather Service and City companies.

“New Yorkers should take today’s forecast seriously and prepare for the possibility of dangerous conditions this afternoon and evening,” stated Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “We may not see the same impacts everywhere, but where the heaviest rain develops, flooding could happen quickly and disrupt travel. Give yourself extra time, stay alert to changing conditions, and never enter flooded streets or other flooded areas. Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 for emergency updates.”

“The risk has increased, but there is still uncertainty about exactly where the strongest storms will develop,” stated NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “That means some neighborhoods may see limited impacts while others could experience intense rainfall and rapidly developing flooding. New Yorkers should plan for that possibility now. Check conditions before you travel, give yourself additional time, and be prepared to change your plans if conditions worsen.”

Stronger thunderstorms may produce rainfall charges of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Rainfall quantities might fluctuate sharply from one neighborhood to a different, which means localized areas may expertise vital flooding even when close by places see a lot much less rain.

The best potential for heavy rain and flash flooding is throughout the night, together with the night commute, however remoted storms this afternoon can’t be dominated out. Conditions are anticipated to enhance later tonight.

New Yorkers ought to take the next precautions:

• Allow additional time for journey on Thursday afternoon and throughout the night commute.
• Avoid flooded streets, rooms, subway stations, and different flooded areas. Never drive, bike, or stroll by means of floodwater. Water could also be deeper than it seems and might disguise submerged hazards, openings, particles, and electrical risks.
• If you reside in a basement residence or different below-grade house, keep alert to altering situations and be ready to maneuver to the next ground or one other safer location earlier than flooding begins.
• Do not anticipate water to enter your private home earlier than appearing if situations are worsening.
• If a Flash Flood Warning or different emergency instruction is issued on your space, observe official steerage instantly.
• Keep telephones, medical gear, and different important gadgets charged.
• Check on household, pals, neighbors, older adults, and individuals who may have further help earlier than and throughout the storm.
• Call 911 in case you are in speedy hazard.

NYC Emergency Management will proceed to coordinate with the NWS and City companies as situations evolve.

New Yorkers can discover preparedness suggestions and steerage for extreme rainfall, flash flooding, thunderstorms, and different hazards at nyc.gov/beready, together with steps to take earlier than, throughout, and after an emergency.

New Yorkers ought to keep knowledgeable by means of official sources. Subscribe to Notify NYC totally free emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. New Yorkers who reside in basement residences can join a basement alert and select to obtain alerts by cellphone. To enroll in these further alert choices, go to nyc.gov/notify.

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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

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