NYC Emergency Management Issues Weather Advisory And Safety Tips From Harlem To Hollis

New York City Emergency Management is issuing a weather advisory through the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service periods of heavy rain are possible beginning early Saturday morning until about noon, which may cause localized flooding in the city, including highways, streets, basements, and underpasses.

Rain will begin to taper off Saturday afternoon with lingering showers possible through early Monday morning. Winds are expected to increase through the weekend with peak gusts up to 45 mph on Sunday afternoon.

During periods of heavy rain, seek higher ground or, if in a basement, move to a higher floor. City agencies have taken action to clean catch basins and remove street litter in the event heavier rain occurs.

Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is also possible at all vulnerable shoreline locations starting Sunday, October 2, through Tuesday, October 4. The areas that may see locally moderate flooding are Jamaica Bay and the Long Island Sound.

“We ask that New Yorkers monitor the weather this weekend before traveling and use mass transit when possible. We understand how a minor shift in direction or speed of a storm can lead to higher amounts of rainfall,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We are in constant contact with our partners at the National Weather Service — monitoring for any potential changes to a storm’s course, but don’t wait until it’s too late. If you live in an area susceptible to flooding, have a plan.”

The New York City Emergency Management Department is monitoring the storm and will rapidly respond to any potential impacts throughout the city.

The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan is activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flooding that does occur.

NYC Emergency Management works closely with NYPD, FDNY, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to mitigate the impact of flash floods.

New Yorkers are encouraged to report clogged catch basins and areas of standing water to 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).

NYC Emergency Management has taken the following steps to prepare for the storm:

• NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine any potential impacts to New York City. 
• NYC Emergency Management has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan.
• NYC Emergency Management hosted an interagency conference call with operational agencies and utility partners to coordinate the City’s preparation for the storm.
• The City’s Downed Tree Task Force has been placed on alert.
• NYC Emergency Management is contact with elected officials and community partners.
• NYC Emergency Management has enhanced staffing both in our command center and in the field.
• Citywide Incident Coordinators (CICs) will also be deployed throughout the five boroughs responding to any impacts through the weekend.
• NYC Emergency Management is issuing Advance Warning System (AWS) messages to service providers to encourage their clients to prepare for the incoming weather. The AWS message is disseminated to more than 1,400 local nonprofits and organizations that work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs.

      Safety Tips 

• If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.  
• If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance. 
• Exercise caution when traveling. Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers the roadway as the water depth may be too great to allow you to cross safely. Use mass transit if possible.
• When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle. 
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Avoid flooded subway stations.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. 
• If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live. 
• Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel. 

Prepare for Power Outages 

• To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer. 
• Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries. 
• If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911. 
• Do not use generators indoors. 
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed. 

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system.

Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies.

Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.