New York City is facing a Flood Watch on Tuesday, as the National Weather Service cautions that intense downpours could trigger dangerous, potentially life-threatening flash flooding.
The warning extends beyond the five boroughs, covering parts of Long Island, the Hudson Valley, much of Connecticut, northern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania under an AccuWeather Flood Watch alert.
Forecasters say some communities could see 2 to 5 inches of rain, while the heaviest storms may unleash rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches an hour, according to ABC 7.
New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region are listed at a Moderate risk for flash flooding, meaning a 40% to 70% chance, while the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley face a Slight risk of 15% to 40%.
Elsewhere across New York state, the flash flood threat is considered Marginal, with odds ranging from 5% to 15%.
The heavy rain is expected to last into Wednesday morning, and the Catskills could be hit especially hard, with rainfall totals climbing to 6 to 8 inches in only a few hours and creating treacherous travel conditions.
Air travel was already feeling the impact Tuesday, with hundreds of flights canceled at major New York-area airports ahead of the severe weather.
The cancellations included 117 flights at JFK, 109 at LaGuardia and 61 at Newark, disrupting roughly 10% to 20% of scheduled service.
As well as all five New York boroughs, nearby Nassau, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, and Rockland Counties are all affected by the Flood Watch.
In New Jersey, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union Counties face fresh flooding fears.
Fairfield and New Haven Counties in Connecticut are also affected.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to be safe ahead of the heavy rain forecast across the state Tuesday and Wednesday.
“New York State will be experiencing a prolonged rain event beginning Tuesday that will bring heavy rains and cause flash flooding – New Yorkers should stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution,” Governor Hochul said.
“As State agencies are ready and mobilized to keep New Yorkers safe, it is important for everyone to do their part by monitoring your local forecast and when in doubt, turn around, don’t drown,” she added.
Monday night already saw powerful storms across New Jersey, bringing lightning and hail, flash flooding, and heavy rain.
