Weather Alert Issued For Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Tuesday through Thursday
The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Tuesday, September 1 through Thursday September 3. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to move through New York City on Tuesday and Thursday, with heavy downpours that could produce isolated to scattered flash flooding.
Today, light showers are expected to arrive this afternoon and continue off and on with non-severe thunderstorms possible through early Tuesday morning. Chances increase for scattered thunderstorms beginning Tuesday afternoon. The highest risk for more intense, potentially severe, scattered thunderstorms is expected between 2 p.m. through 11 p.m., which could impact the evening commute. Wednesday brings a break in thunderstorm potential but rain will likely continue periodically throughout the day. Thunderstorms are forecasted to return on Thursday, some of which have the potential to become severe. NYCEM has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the NWS and City agencies to monitor conditions and prepare for potential impacts.
The NWS Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City on a Marginal Risk (1 of 5) for excessive rainfall tonight through Thursday. This carries the potential for isolated flash flooding. Current forecasts call for approximately 0.25 – 0.75 inches of rain across New York City, with higher totals possible in localized areas.
Brief rainfall rates of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour are possible in stronger thunderstorms. Localized rainfall totals of approximately 2 inches are possible in areas that receive heavier downpours. Higher amounts cannot be ruled out in a low-probability scenario.
The greatest risk of heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding is expected late Tuesday afternoon and evening, including the evening commute, and also late Thursday morning and afternoon. Wednesday could bring more showers throughout the day.