National Weather Service Issues Coastal Flood Advisory for New York

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a coastal flood advisory at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, effective for Manhattan and Staten Island from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday. According to the NWS, “one to two feet of inundation above ground level” is expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. There is also a potential for additional coastal flooding with the high tide cycles through Saturday.

“Minor flooding in the more vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline,” the NWS stated. “Some roads and low-lying properties, including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with basements near the waterfront, will experience minor flooding.” The advisory urges residents to allow extra travel time, as some roads may be closed. It also warns against driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth, advising necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

Similarly, a coastal flood statement was issued on Thursday for the Bronx and Westchester County, valid from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m. Friday. The NWS explains that up to “half a foot of inundation above ground level” is expected in vulnerable waterfront areas, with additional coastal flooding possible through Saturday.

Both advisories highlight the potential for minor to locally moderate flooding in vulnerable waterfront locations. Residents are reminded to exercise caution, as floodwaters can swiftly become dangerous.

Flood safety guidelines from the NWS emphasize the importance of moving to higher ground if residing in a flood-prone region or camping in low-lying areas. The NWS states, “Follow evacuation orders promptly and secure your home by disconnecting utilities and appliances if time permits, to minimize electrical hazards.”

It is crucial to steer clear of basements and submerged areas, along with avoiding walking or driving through floodwaters, the NWS advises. Just six inches of swiftly moving water can knock a person off their feet, and 12 inches can carry away most cars.

For intense rainfalls, the NWS advises against parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches and recommends maintaining safe driving distances on wet roads. Enhancing visibility with headlights, avoiding sudden braking, and staying in middle lanes are additional safety measures suggested by the NWS.

Advance Local Weather Alerts, a service provided by United Robots, uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. For continuous updates and safety information, residents are encouraged to stay informed and heed advice from local authorities.