Most of southern New York under flood watch
Anyone downstate or in the Tri-State area should immediately be prepared for the upcoming intense series of weather this week. Severe weather is already moving into the Tri-State area with brutal rain and the possibility of flash flooding. Storms have been so bad in the lower New York area that there's even been a tornado warning in some parts of New Jersey.
An official flood watch is in effect for New York City and much of the Tri-State area. Most of New Jersey has been issued a severe thunderstorm watch until later Tuesday night. The real danger comes from how much will be disrupted over the next few days by this severe weather.
With rain starting in the early afternoon, the evening commute becomes exponentially more difficult, especially as the intense rain continues into the late evening. Certain parts of the area will see rainfall with rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, with rainfall totals on average of 2 to 5 inches. Some areas, especially north and east of New York City, could see even more rainfall over the next few days.
The areas under the most serious threat are northern New Jersey, New York City, and the Hudson Valley. These locations are all at a level 3 out of 4 when it comes to risk for flash flooding.
This flood watch will continue through at least Wednesday morning in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Outside of New York City, Nassau County, Westchester county, Orange county, Putnam county, and Rockland County are under watch. The rain is expected to continue on Wednesday but should be much more scattered and will favor areas east of the city.
