City workers inspecting and clearing stormwater infrastructure in flood-prone areas
Specialized emergency assets and response teams are on standby
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) today issued a weather alert for prolonged rainfall expected to impact New York City over Memorial Day weekend and announced a citywide mobilization to prepare for potential flooding and storm impacts.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts rain beginning Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon, with the heaviest and most persistent rainfall expected from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. Light rain may continue into Sunday afternoon or evening, with additional showers on Memorial Day.
Current forecasts call for 1.5 to 2 inches of rainfall over the weekend, with thunderstorms capable of producing rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour for brief periods. Winds are also expected to strengthen Saturday night into Sunday morning, with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph and stronger gusts possible on elevated structures and exposed areas.
Ahead of the storm, Mayor Mamdani directed City agencies and partners to take proactive steps to reduce flooding risks and ensure a coordinated emergency response if conditions worsen.
NYCEM is leading enhanced coordination with the NWS, City and State agencies, utility providers and private-sector partners. Specialized emergency assets and response teams are on standby and ready for rapid deployment if needed.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are inspecting and clearing catch basins in flood-prone neighborhoods. DEP is also bringing in additional staff throughout the weekend to support flood preparedness and response operations. The NYPD will monitor traffic for stranded motorists during any street flooding and will have tow trucks on alert in every borough.
“As we prepare for more rain this holiday weekend, our administration is taking every possible step to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From clearing catch basins in flood-prone neighborhoods to monitoring downed trees and storm-related hazards, we are mobilizing City government early and aggressively. But we can’t do it alone. We need all New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC emergency alerts, make a plan and check on neighbors and loved ones before the storm arrives. Visit nyc.gov/beready to learn more.”
“We recently saw how quickly heavy rainfall can impact parts of the city, and how weather conditions can sometimes change unexpectedly,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “While widespread significant flooding is not currently forecast, periods of steady rain could still lead to hazardous travel conditions and localized flooding. Many New Yorkers will be traveling and spending time outdoors during Memorial Day weekend, so we encourage residents and visitors to plan ahead, monitor the forecast and sign up for Notify NYC.”
“Our message this weekend is simple: please stay safe and do not underestimate how quickly flooding can happen,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “Conditions can change in minutes, and taking precautions early can save lives. DEP crews will be out all weekend clearing catch basins and monitoring conditions across the city, with additional attention and support to flood-prone neighborhoods. We want every New Yorker to enjoy the holiday weekend and make it home safely.”
New Yorkers should plan now to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather conditions by visiting www.nyc.gov/beready.
Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692, visiting the Notify NYC page, calling 311, following @NotifyNYC or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for Apple or Android devices.
Monitor real-time flood information at floodnet.nyc.
No comments:
Post a Comment