NYC Braces for Coastal Storm, State of Emergency Declared
New York, NY – A major coastal storm is impacting New York City, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency Sunday for all five boroughs. The nor’easter is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential coastal flooding through Monday afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued several advisories and warnings for the city. A wind advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. Monday,with sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph expected. Saturated ground from anticipated rainfall increases the risk of falling trees and power lines, particularly in areas with overhead wires.
Coastal areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island are under a coastal flood warning until 6 p.m. Monday. Low-lying areas near the shoreline could experience inundation of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet during high tide cycles, potentially impacting basements, parking lots, and front lawns.Rainfall totals of 1.5 to 3 inches are possible.
Utility companies, including Con Edison, have proactively deployed over 1,600 additional workers across new York city, the Mid-Hudson Valley, and Long Island to prepare for potential power outages. Residents can report outages or check repair status at coned.com or by calling 800-75-CONED.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has banned all empty tractor-trailers from its bridges from 3 p.m. Sunday until the storm subsides.
Monday’s Columbus Day Parade along 5th Avenue has been cancelled due to the storm. As Monday is a legal holiday-observing columbus Day, Italian Heritage Day, and Indigenous Peoples Day-alternate-side parking rules are suspended.
The state of emergency allows New York’s government to mobilize resources and respond swiftly to storm-related emergencies.
