NYC weather: Storm set to deliver heavy rain; flood, high wind watches issued

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Put on your ponchos.

A flood watch and a high wind watch are in effect for New York City, including Staten Island, from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning due to a strong storm system, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS said flooding caused by excessive rainfall and damaging winds is possible across the New York region.

The flood watch is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday to noon Wednesday. Meanwhile, the high wind watch is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

In addition to prolonged periods of rain, the storm system will also bring the potential for localized flash flooding, strong winds and coastal flooding. The National Weather Service said rainfall totals are predicted anywhere from 2 to 4 inches across the region, but locally higher amounts are possible.

That heavy rain may produce areas of flash flooding.

Excessive runoff from rainfall may cause flooding of urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other poor-drainage or low-lying spots, the NWS stated.

A flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t mean that flooding will occur, but it’s possible, the NWS says. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It’s possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain, according to the service.

You should 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.

To prepare, the NWS urges residents to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should a flash flood warning be issued. A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. Folks in a flood-prone area should move immediately to high ground.