Heavy downpours and flooding are expected to drench the Big Apple on Monday — threatening to submerge the city again just days after storms overwhelmed several highways and subway stations
Scattered thunderstorms are likely to roll in around 2 p.m. Monday and could bring dangerous flash floods to New York City and other parts of the tri-state area, forecasters warned.
“Maybe there’ll be some gusty winds with some of those storms but the biggest thing will be the heavy rains that can lead to flooding because it comes down in such heavy amounts in a short period of time,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Paul Walker told The Post.
New Yorkers are in for 2 to 3 inches of rain — but some areas could see as much as 4 inches and flash floods, forecasters said, prompting Gov. Andrew Cuomo to direct state agencies to prepare emergency response assets.
New Yorkers take shelter from the heavy rain on July 8, 2021. Stephen Yang
A satellite image from NOAA shows the likely path of the storm.
“Another round of storms are expected to hit downstate this afternoon with heavy rain and high winds bringing with them possible flash flooding and isolated power outages, not to mention difficult travel,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“I have directed state agencies to stand ready to assist local partners if needed, and I encourage New Yorkers to pay close attention to weather forecasts and help to ensure loved ones and neighbors are prepared and safe.”
The rain could bring flooding to some of the same locations hit by heavy rain last week, Cuomo and forecasters warned.
Heavy rainfall flooded subway stations in New York City on July 8. Rainfall today could bring a similar result. Sebastian Arruarana via Storyful“It’s places that get under these heavy downpours and [the rain falls] you know, over an hour, two-hour period,” Walker said.
“And [when] we get that much rain in that short a time period, it just overwhelms the drainage systems.”
Cuomo has directed a slew of state agencies to prepare for the rain and floods, including the state Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority, which will be ready to respond with large dump trucks, excavators and vacuum trucks with sewer jets.
A man walks through the rain in NYC. Stephen Yang
A sewer grate full of trash floods on Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike during heavy summer rain. Stephen YangWorkers from the MTA will be monitoring the subway system and watching for any extreme flooding that was seen during last week’s storms, which left some stations with waist deep water.
“On the subway, maintenance personnel will inspect track drains in flood-prone areas, and check and stage track pumps and storm boxes prior to the storms,” Cuomo’s office said.
“The MTA encourages customers to take extra precautions when traveling during heavy rain and winds. This includes allowing for extra travel time, taking extra caution when walking on platforms and stairs, watching for slippery conditions and being mindful [of] overhead foliage or wires.”
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning that is in effect until Tuesday morning — but drier weather may not come until later in the week.
“There’s going to be storms around the East for the next few days. Not a whole lot of change,” Walker said.
“Maybe we can dry things out on Thursday. But, for the next couple of days — for tomorrow and Wednesday, it looks like there’ll be scattered storms around each day.”
New Yorkers should be prepared for storms to set in at a moment’s notice.
“Make sure you take your umbrella because these rainstorms could pop up anywhere,” Walker said.
Cuomo’s office advised New Yorkers to postpone outdoor activities, check on neighbors who require special assistance, get inside if thunder is audible and do not attempt to drive to safety in the event of a flash flood.
“Most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles,” Cuomo’s office said.
