NYC Area Declares State of Emergency Amid Anticipated Heavy Rain and Floodin

The NYC area is bracing for a deluge, with a state of emergency declared in anticipation of sustained heavy rainfall and potential flooding from Friday to Saturday morning. Flash flood warnings have been activated for portions of the NYC metropolitan area, remaining in place until at least 12:30 p.m. The entire tri-state region is under a flood watch until 6 a.m. Saturday, forecasting rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour. Overall, the region is set to receive a minimum of 2-4 inches of rain, with certain locales preparing for a hefty 5-8 inches before the storm system moves on. 

As the morning commute progresses, periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms may exacerbate conditions. The afternoon and evening are expected to see more widespread rainfall. This extensive precipitation raises the flooding risk throughout the tri-state area, a region already saturated from previous storms.

Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed the declaration of a state of emergency for the broader NYC areas anticipated to be impacted by the significant flooding. This declaration follows the flash flood warnings that have been issued for numerous parts of NYC, adjoining counties in New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and into Connecticut. These warnings are anticipated to be extended further into the early afternoon.

Disaster recovery crews and contractors are gearing up for a long road towards recovery. Some areas in Brooklyn have already reported issues with severe basement flooding, street flooding and the major airports Laguardia and JFK announced hundreds of cancelled and delayed flights. 

The morning commute has already been severely affected, a situation only set to worsen as the day progresses. The considerable rainfall, compounded by the already water-logged ground from the remnants of Ophelia last weekend, accentuates the risk of flooding across the tri-state area, leaving the region on high alert for the upcoming days.