A flash flood warning remains in effect for Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County until 1:30 PM Monday, as a powerful storm system continues to dump heavy rain across the New York City metro area on what has already been a chaotic start to the week.
The National Weather Service says rainfall rates have reached up to two inches per hour at times, with a broader flood watch covering the entire region in effect through late Monday night. Forecasters are warning of multiple additional rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms through the day, with total rainfall expected to reach two to three inches regionwide and locally higher amounts possible.
The storm has already caused significant disruption since Sunday night. High winds, with gusts reported up to 50 mph, and heavy rain have downed trees across the boroughs, including large trees that fell onto vehicles in South Richmond Hill, Queens, shutting down local streets. Tens of thousands of residents across New York and New Jersey have lost power as the strained grid struggles to keep up with the storm.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has activated the city's emergency response plan, with crews deployed to clear catch basins and check on residents in basement apartments, which officials describe as historically the most vulnerable housing to fast moving, life threatening flooding. City officials are urging anyone in a basement unit to have an evacuation plan ready and to move to higher ground immediately if water begins to accumulate.
Residents are urged to avoid traveling through flooded roadways and low lying areas, as flash flooding can develop rapidly with little warning. Drivers should never attempt to cross water covered roads, since the depth and condition of the roadway underneath can be impossible to determine. New Yorkers can report downed trees, blocked roadways, or downed utility lines by calling 311, and can sign up for real time emergency alerts by texting NYCALERT to 692-692.
Transit service has also been disrupted, with a substitute bus service running between Highbridge and Annandale as authorities continue to advise against unnecessary travel while the storm moves through.
