Steps to stay safe as potentially powerful nor'easter hammers East Coast
Nearly a half-foot of rain is expected across parts of the Northeast through Wednesday
Steps to stay safe as potentially powerful nor'easter hammers East Coast
State of emergencies have been issued for both New York as well as New Jersey, in addition to a number of flash flood warnings and watches, as the first nor’easter of the season arrives.
NEW YORK – State of emergencies have been issued Tuesday for both New York and New Jersey, in addition to several flash flood warnings and watches, as the first nor'easter of the season arrives.
Acting Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management Andy D'Amora and his team have prepared for this storm. They put their flash flood plan in effect by opening their emergency operations center Monday evening.
Nearly a half-foot of rain is expected across parts of the Northeast through Wednesday.
Rainfall forecast through Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2021.
(FOX Weather)
"We've been monitoring moment-by-moment conditions, the forecast and the weather coming in. Pre-storm (we were) addressing those catch basins that need to be cleared to prevent any kind of heavy flooding," D'Amora said.
On Monday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a state of emergency for all 21 counties, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a similar emergency for southern portions of New York. The orders allow state resources to be shifted to deal with potential damage and flooding created by nor'easter.
New Yorkers fear flash flooding after Ida
New Yorkers fear flash flooding with the season's first nor'easter after Ida.
City officials have seen some flooding and ponding on roadways Tuesday, but crews are addressing it throughout the city, and most of those roads are now passable.
"But, we are telling folks, if you have to go out and drive, make sure you take your time and give extra time. And if you see any flooding at all, please turn around. Don't drive through flooded roadways," D'Amora said.
Rain causes flash flooding in parts of New York City
Heavy rain brought flooding to parts of New York City on Oct. 26 after the state’s governor, Kathy Hochul, declared a state disaster emergency. The National Weather Service said large pockets of heavy rain could deliver between 1-2 inches per hour in western and eastern areas of the city, adding that local flooding was possible.
New Yorkers should call 311 to notify the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation if they see any flooding. You can also download the Notify NYC mobile app, which gives up-to-the-minute information about emergencies in New York City.
Wind gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph are possible from Long Island to coastal Massachusetts Tuesday into Wednesday. These strong winds could blow down trees and power lines, leading to potential power outages.
Wind gust estimates for Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021 for the first nor'easter of the year.
(FOX Weather)
The winds are predicted to reach their peak intensity late Tuesday into early Wednesday, with the strongest gusts expected along the coast, though winds will still reach 30 to 50 mph farther inland.
D'Amora said when the city sees a storm like this develop, they put their Downed Tree Task Force on alert when the winds start to pick up. Officials also increased their messaging citywide, especially to people who are living in basement apartments.
"Right when the storm was predicted, we started messaging to pay attention to the forecast. If you see any flooding, if you're getting an alert from the National Weather Service or from us, make sure you go on to higher ground. Go vertical. Just go to the next four above. And I think that you know, those messages have been well received," D'Amora said.
New York City Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for the city through Tuesday, warning drivers of their morning and evening commutes impacts.
Flood alerts, shaded in green, are issued by the National Weather Service.
(FOX Weather)
As of 7:30 a.m., there were minimal delays on subways, but it is encouraged for everybody to go to MTA.info and make sure that their subway and commuter rails are running on time.
Water covers roads in Forest Hills, Queens
Heavy rain has started flooding some roads in New York City as the region's first nor'easter of the season moves into the area.
"Give yourself some extra time. No need to rush to get where you have to go this morning," D'Amora said.
The bottom line is paying attention to what's going on and knowing your surroundings and the forecast.