Travel Warning Issued By City Officials Ahead Of Heavy Storm

NEW YORK CITY — New York City officials have issued a travel advisory and are urging New Yorkers to plan ahead as a round of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds is expected to impact the city from late Thursday night through Saturday.

A cold front moving through the region could slow road, rail and air travel, New York City Emergency Management said in the travel advisory.

The National Weather Service has also issued a citywide wind advisory from late Thursday night through Friday night, along with several coastal flooding advisories.

Mayor Eric Adams said that city agencies are prepared and closely monitoring conditions as the holiday travel period ramps up.

"This is a busy holiday travel weekend for many New Yorkers, and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms could slow travel across the city, especially on Friday," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "We’re asking people to give themselves extra time, take it slow on the roads, and stay aware of changing conditions so they can get where they’re going safely."

Forecasters say drizzle may begin around midnight Thursday, with steadier rain developing by early Friday morning.

Thunderstorms are possible from Friday into early Saturday, bringing brief but intense downpours and gusty winds. The city could see between one and 1-and-a-half inches of rain, with isolated areas receiving up to two inches, potentially leading to localized street flooding in low-lying or poor-drainage areas.

Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is possible on Friday morning, particularly in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and southern Queens, city officials said.

Manhattan, the Bronx, and northern Queens could also see brief minor flooding along the shoreline, city officials said.

City officials recommend allowing extra travel time, avoiding flooded roads and subway stations, and securing loose outdoor items, city officials said.

Anyone living in basement apartments should be prepared to move quickly if water rises, and neighbors are encouraged to check in on older adults or those who may need assistance during the storm, city officials said.

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