Simply as New Yorkers emerge from summer time’s second warmth wave Thursday, the Nationwide Climate Service has issued a flood look ahead to the realm, warning that intense rainfall may rapidly overwhelm drains and streets and probably trigger “localized, severe flooding.”
“A slow-moving frontal system will bring the potential for scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding, particularly for the NYC/NJ metro area and Long Island this afternoon into tonight,” the NWS stated in an early-morning replace.
The flood watch can be in impact from 2 p.m. Thursday till 8 a.m. Friday, when intervals of average to domestically heavy rainfall are anticipated.
Whereas rainfall totals throughout the realm are anticipated to vary between 1.5 and three inches, some areas may see as much as 5 inches, forecasters stated.
Widespread rain is forecast throughout a lot of the state by late Thursday night. Parts of the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York Metropolis and Lengthy Island may see the heaviest rain, with the very best rainfall charges anticipated between 2 p.m. and midnight. Flash flooding is feasible, officers warn.
Rainfall charges may exceed 2 inches per hour in some areas throughout the 5 boroughs, elements of Lengthy Island, in addition to Union, Essex and Hudson counties in New Jersey, in accordance with the NWS.
“New Yorkers, be prepared for a serious storm to arrive later this afternoon,” Mayor Eric Adams stated in a social media put up simply earlier than 10 a.m. Thursday. “A Flood Watch begins at 2 PM, and we’ve issued a Travel Advisory for today and tomorrow,” Adams stated.
The New York State Division of Homeland Safety and Emergency Providers is warning residents of the southern a part of the state to be ready to reply to potential flash flooding.
Simply 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock over an grownup, in accordance with the NWS. About 12 inches of shifting water can carry away most automobiles, whereas 2 toes of speeding water can carry away SUVs and vehicles, the company warns.
Initially Revealed: July 31, 2025 at 10:01 AM EDT

