The New York City Emergency Management Department issued an advisory to coastal New York City communities, warning them to be ready for potential coastal flooding and hazardous beach conditions, particularly in Jamaica Bay and The Rockaways, from today through Sunday. The potential flooding and hazardous conditions are due to the distant Hurricane Lee making its way through the Northeastern United States.
According to the National Hurricane Center, as of Friday morning, Hurricane Lee was moving north from Bermuda towards New England and Maine. It is expected to hit southern portions of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Saturday. These areas are likely to experience tropical storm conditions this afternoon and continue through Saturday.
Southern Queens will have a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from Friday at 6 p.m. until Sunday at 3 a.m. Northern Queens, along with the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island, will have a Coastal Flood Statement in effect from Friday at 6 p.m. until Sunday at 5 a.m.
Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways reportedly appear to be among the most vulnerable areas to the incoming weather. According to the Emergency Management Department, Jamaica Bay could see inundation levels of between one and two feet above normally dry ground during the three high tide cycles from Friday night to early Sunday morning. The north shore of the Rockaways also faces heightened vulnerability due to winds gusting up to 35 miles per hour out of the north.
Roads, parking lots and properties located in low-lying areas near shorelines across the city are likely to experience at least minor flooding. Dune and beach erosion may occur as a result of breaking waves measuring six to 10 feet. Life-threatening rip currents are also expected to last until at last Saturday night.
“While city beaches have closed to swimming for the season, they do remain open to surfers, and we are advising caution when entering the water this weekend,” NYC Parks Commissioner Sue…
Read the full article here