Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
New City App Will (Push) Notify You Of Emergencies In Your Area
By
Emma Whitford
Published Sep 22, 2017
Modified Sep 22, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Emma Whitford
Published Sep 22, 2017
Modified Sep 22, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
City Hall announced Friday it's launched the Notify NYC app to provide New Yorkers with real-time push notifications on major weather events like hurricanes and blizzards; health risks like legionnaires and West Nile virus; and more mundane news like unplanned parking rule suspensions.
It'll also tell you when the L train is a hot mess.
Users have the option to select for their current location, or preset up to five neighborhoods to keep tabs on home, work and school. Masochists can also select a "receive all" mode for a constant barrage of emergencies and disruptions citywide.
There's also a map view to guage your exact proximity to the emergency in question.
"It's crucial that New Yorkers know what's going on around the city, especially in an emergency," said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement. “This new app will make it easier than ever to stay informed and get alerts about what’s happening—both nearby and citywide."
Here are some examples of notifications sent out this week, supplied by City Hall:
Coastal Flood Advisory: Notified 9/20/17 at 4:20 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended the Coastal Flood Advisory for southern Queens until Thursday, 9/22 at 12:00 AM. The affected area includes the Atlantic Ocean beaches and along the South Shore Bays. Tidal departures of 1-2 feet above normal are expected.
During a Coastal Flood Advisory, minor flooding of the most vulnerable shore roads and/or properties is possible. Coastal residents should be alert for later statements and take action to protect property.
Ferry Disruption: Notified 9/18/17 at 9:13 p.m.
Due to the United Nations General Assembly, NYC Ferry riders should expect service disruptions from Tuesday, 9/19 to Monday, 9/25. The US Coast Guard is enforcing a full closure of the East River on 9/19 from 9:15 AM to 8:00 PM near United Nations Headquarters, specifically between East 35th Street and the Queensboro Street Bridge.
As a result of these restrictions, NYC Ferry riders should anticipate delays and temporary closures from at Pier 11/Wall Street & East 34th Street terminals. The Midtown Shuttle Bus will pick up riders on East 34th Street & 1st Avenue instead of the ferry terminal. All routes are subject to change with little or no notice as a result of heavy traffic conditions.
The officially old-fashioned Notify NYC website launched back in 2007, and has issued roughly 9,400 notifications to date. You can download the app here, for Apple or Android. There's also always Twitter.
Tagged
emergency management
mayor's office
Emma Whitford
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. ET
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
News
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .