NYC Weather: Flash Flood Watch Issued For NYC

NEW YORK – A flash flood watch has been issued for New York City as a storm capable of bringing an inch of rain per hour approach.

The watch goes into effect at 4 p.m. Thursday and is expected to stay in place until 2 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service said.

"Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation," the service said.

New York City's Emergency Management Department put in place a travel advisory, urging motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to be cautious.

“We are expecting heavy rain this evening that may cause flooding in low-lying areas. We advise New Yorkers to prepare for a slick commute,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell said. “Allow for extra travel time, and do not drive your vehicle or walk into flooded areas.”

The department gave the following tips:

· If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.

· Prepare a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry — for every member of your household, including pets.

· Avoid driving, walking, or biking through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.

· Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

· If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live.

· Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your vehicle while you are in it, stay inside, call 911 immediately, and wait for emergency personnel.

· To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.

• If your power goes out, disconnect or turn off appliances that would otherwise turn on automatically when service is restored. If several appliances start up at once, the electric circuits may overload.

· Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.

· If you lose power & have a disability, access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) & need immediate assistance, dial 911.

· Do not use generators indoors.