Flood Alert: Mayor Mamdani Warns New Yorkers as Nor’easter Heads Offshore
Surf City New Jersey, is among coastal communities flooded
By Reporter
NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has urged residents, particularly those living in coastal and low-lying communities, to take precautions as a nor’easter is expected to pass offshore this weekend, bringing strong winds, heavy periods of rain and a risk of coastal flooding.
The city’s Emergency Management agency, NYCEM, said the storm is expected to keep its heaviest rainfall east of New York City, but warned that changing conditions could still produce hazardous weather across the city.
Winds are expected to strengthen from late Friday into Saturday morning, with gusts potentially reaching 40 mph. Rain is forecast from Friday afternoon through Sunday, with total rainfall estimated at between 1 and 1.5 inches.
Officials said coastal flooding is possible around high tide, particularly Friday evening and Saturday morning. The most vulnerable areas include low-lying sections of Staten Island’s eastern shore, the Rockaways and communities around Jamaica Bay.
Mamdani called on residents in flood-prone areas to move vehicles to higher ground and secure outdoor furniture, equipment and other loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
“While this storm is expected to pass offshore and keep the heaviest rain east of New York City, New Yorkers should still prepare for gusty winds, rain and coastal flooding this weekend,” Mamdani said.
He urged residents to remain alert because storm tracks can change, adding that simple preparations could help protect lives and property.
“For emergency alerts, text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692,” the mayor said.
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said city officials were paying particular attention to the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides because of the potential for flooding in vulnerable coastal communities.
“We’re keeping a close eye on the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, which could bring flooding to low-lying areas on Staten Island’s eastern shore, in the Rockaways and around Jamaica Bay,” Farrell said.
She also warned that strengthening winds could create dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians, urging residents to secure outdoor items before the worst of the weather arrives.
“Bring in or tie down anything outside before then, and if you’re traveling this weekend, allow extra time and watch for ponding on roads,” she said.
Farrell stressed that residents should never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater and should obey road closures and barricades.
“Never drive or walk through floodwater, and never go around traffic barricades,” she said.
City officials said they are coordinating with the National Weather Service and other partner agencies and will continue monitoring the storm and providing updates as conditions develop.
The weather system is also expected to produce dangerous surf conditions. A high risk of rip currents at area beaches is forecast to continue through at least Saturday, while rough seas could cause beach erosion, particularly along Long Island.
New York City beaches officially closed for the season on September 13, and authorities reminded residents that swimming is no longer permitted at public beaches because lifeguards are not on duty.
Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve from Saturday night into Sunday as the nor’easter moves farther offshore.
