New York City is preparing for potentially severe flooding, power outages and storm damage as a powerful nor’easter continues to batter the region, with the most dangerous conditions expected through Sunday morning.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned residents Saturday that the worst of the storm was still ahead after heavy rain and strong winds had already caused significant flooding in coastal communities.
“Much more is coming,” Hochul said, urging New Yorkers not to underestimate the storm or travel unnecessarily.
Flooding Expected to Be the Biggest Threat
New York City officials warned that rainfall could reach up to 1 inch per hour in some areas. The National Weather Service said parts of the waterfront and shoreline could experience 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level, with the highest water levels expected around Sunday morning’s high tide, at roughly 9 a.m.
Coastal flooding had already been reported in parts of the Rockaways, Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, southern Brooklyn, the North Shore of Staten Island and City Island.
Officials said the full moon could worsen tidal flooding. Heavy rain and strong winds could also push leaves and debris into drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding farther inland.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents living in basement apartments to be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding worsens. Residents in designated evacuation zones were advised to have emergency plans in place.
Tree Damage and Power Outages
Strong winds have already brought down trees across the region. The NYPD reported that a 56-year-old man was killed Saturday afternoon after being struck by a falling tree in East New York.
The city’s Parks Department said it had received hundreds of reports involving fallen trees and expected cleanup operations to continue for several days.
Power outages were also reported across the region. PSEG said more than 12,900 customers on Long Island were without electricity Saturday evening, while thousands of customers in New Jersey were also affected. New York City had roughly 500 customers without power at one point, according to city officials.
Authorities warned residents to stay away from downed power lines and to call 911 if they see sparking or other electrical hazards.
Travel and Transit Disruptions
Officials have urged New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary travel while the storm continues.
The NYPD imposed restrictions on empty and tandem tractor-trailers, while the mayor issued a travel advisory through Sunday. The MTA suspended service on the Long Beach Branch of the Long Island Rail Road because of flooding, while other transit agencies warned that weather-related disruptions were possible.
Air travelers were also advised to check directly with their airlines before heading to airports, although many flights in the New York area were operating normally Saturday.
Storm to Linger Through Sunday
National Weather Service meteorologists said the storm would remain active through Sunday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain and strong winds across the metropolitan area.
Monday is expected to remain cloudy with some light rain or mist, while conditions should improve by Tuesday, with warmer and sunnier weather forecast.
The storm has already disrupted major weekend events in the region. The Global Citizen Festival in Central Park and the All Things Go NYC Music Festival were canceled, while the New York Yankees moved Saturday’s scheduled game against the Baltimore Orioles to a Friday doubleheader.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also issued a consumer alert warning residents to report potential price gouging during the emergency.
Authorities continue to urge residents to monitor official weather and emergency alerts, avoid flooded roads and remain prepared for possible power outages and further coastal flooding.
