NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

August 26, 2026 

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Periods of Rain and Thunderstorms Could Produce Localized Heavy Rainfall and Damaging Wind Gusts

NEW YORK – New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Travel Advisory for Thursday, August 27, as intervals of rain and thunderstorms may deliver regionally heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts to town. 

In the newest forecast by the National Weather Service (NWS), showers and thunderstorms are potential starting late Thursday morning and persevering with on and off by means of the night. The best probability for rain and thunderstorms is presently anticipated between roughly 11 a.m. and seven p.m. Rain chances are high anticipated to taper in a single day, though an remoted bathe stays potential by means of noon Friday. New York City is beneath a Flood Watch from midday till 11 p.m. tomorrow. 

“New Yorkers should be prepared for periods of rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, particularly during the afternoon and evening,” stated Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “The forecast does not currently indicate a widespread flooding event, but thunderstorms can develop quickly and produce heavy rain and strong winds in a short period of time. Check conditions before traveling, avoid flooded streets and other flooded areas, and stay informed by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.” 

“Thursday’s forecast has several elements we are watching closely, including thunderstorms and the potential for heavier rain to repeatedly affect the same locations,” stated NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Most New Yorkers will likely see a period of wet and unsettled weather, but localized conditions can become more hazardous quickly under a strong thunderstorm. New Yorkers should monitor the forecast, allow additional travel time, and be prepared to change plans if conditions worsen.” 

The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has positioned New York City beneath a Slight Risk for extreme rainfall and flash flooding, Level 2 of 4, for Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has additionally positioned the New York City space beneath a Marginal Risk for extreme thunderstorms, Level 1 of 5. No extreme rainfall or extreme climate danger is presently forecast for Friday. 

Current forecasts name for 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain throughout the realm, with localized totals as much as 2.5 inches potential the place remoted thunderstorms develop. Higher totals are extra possible north and west of New York City, barely decrease quantities presently forecasted throughout southern Brooklyn and Queens. Rainfall charges are usually anticipated to stay under 0.5 inches per hour, however thunderstorms may produce temporary intervals of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour. 

Localized flash flooding is feasible the place remoted downpours transfer over, however low-lying and poor-drainage areas are at highest danger, significantly Thursday afternoon and early night. Thunderstorms can also produce damaging wind gusts and small hail. The general extreme climate danger stays low, however an remoted stronger storm may produce wind gusts as much as 65 mph. 

NYCEM is coordinating with the NWS and City businesses forward of Thursday’s climate to watch the forecast and problem emergency climate updates by means of Notify NYC. The City’s Flash Flood Plan was activated on Wednesday at 8:00 AM, and the Downed Tree Task Force has been positioned on alert to assist any potential tree removing operations. 

New Yorkers ought to take the next precautions: 

• Allow additional time for journey Thursday afternoon and night, and verify climate and transit circumstances earlier than leaving. 
• 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 cover submerged hazards, openings, particles, and electrical risks. 
• If you reside in a basement residence or different below-grade area, keep alert to altering circumstances and be ready to maneuver to the next flooring or one other safer location earlier than flooding begins. 
• Do not look ahead to water to enter your property earlier than performing if circumstances are worsening. 
• If a Flash Flood Warning or different emergency instruction is issued on your space, observe official steerage instantly. 
• Keep telephones, medical tools, and different important gadgets charged. 
• Check on household, mates, neighbors, older adults, and individuals who may have extra help earlier than and in the course of the storm. 
• Call 911 if you’re in fast hazard. 

NYC Emergency Management will proceed to coordinate with the NWS and City businesses as circumstances 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 flats can join a basement alert and select to obtain alerts by cellphone. To enroll in these extra alert choices, go to nyc.gov/notify. 

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

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications) 

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