Tropical Storm Warning Issued As Fay Takes Aim At NYC

NEW YORK CITY — A tropical storm warning is in effect for NYC as the North East coast prepares for up to seven inches of rain and 60-mph winds that could spawn tornadoes Friday.

Tropical Storm Fay is likely to make landfall close to the city Friday night. The worst of the strong winds and rain are expected to hit starting Friday afternoon.

Here is the predicted track of the storm.

Courtesy of the National Hurricane Center

Fay formed Thursday off the coast of North Carolina. Its rain is expected to start falling on NYC Friday morning, becoming heavier as the center of the storm approaches Friday afternoon. It's expected to make landfall Friday night and weaken as it moves north.

“The main threats with this system will be locally heavy rainfall, the potential for flash flooding and dangerous surf conditions Friday into Friday night,” the warning said.

Storm surge, which left much of lower Manhattan deluged after Sandy hit in 2012, is not expected to be a problem, the National Hurricane Center said. Some power outages might occur.

Sandy also had wind speeds of about 90 mph when it hit.

Here is what to expect, according to the National Weather Center:

• A tropical storm warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.
• Peak wind forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Potential for wind 39 to 60 mph
• Last minute efforts to protect property should now be complete. The area remains subject to limited wind.
• Peak rainfall amounts: 2-4 inches, with isolated maximums of 7 inches.
• Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
• Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the latest tornado situation.
• A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.
• Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

As of 8 a.m. Friday the Fay was off the coast of Delaware and moving north at about 10mph, the National Hurricane Center forecast said.

Here's a more detailed forecast, courtesy of the National Weather Service:

Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 79. East wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday Night
Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3am, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Saturday
A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 97. South wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.