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NYC bracing for heavy thunderstorms with flood watch until Friday
By
Monica Melton
Published Aug 20, 2026
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By
Monica Melton
Published Aug 20, 2026
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The New York City area is under a flood watch as the region is expected to be blanketed with heavy rain, thunderstorms and scattered flash flooding Thursday and early Friday.
The rain is expected to start late Thursday morning with the heaviest rain expected between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. — in time for many New Yorkers' commutes. The flood watch is in effect from 2 p.m. Thursday until 2 a.m. Friday for northeast New Jersey, southern Westchester, New York City, Nassau and Western Suffolk, according to the National Weather Service.
In coordination with the NWS, the city has activated its flash flood emergency plan.
The city urged the following precautions:
- Allow extra time for travel on Thursday afternoon and during the evening commute.
- Avoid flooded streets, rooms, subway stations, and other flooded areas. Never drive, bike, or walk through floodwater. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide submerged hazards, openings, debris, and electrical dangers.
- If you live in a basement apartment or other below-grade space, stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to move to a higher floor or another safer location before flooding begins.
- Do not wait for water to enter your home before acting if conditions are worsening.
- If a Flash Flood Warning or other emergency instruction is issued for your area, follow official guidance immediately.
- Keep phones, medical equipment, and other essential devices charged.
- Check on family, friends, neighbors, older adults, and people who may need additional assistance before and during the storm.
"New Yorkers should prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening, particularly during the evening commute," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement. “As always, look out for your neighbors.”
Upward of 1 to 2.5 inches of rainfall per hour could fall with isolated thunderstorms. The high today in New York City is 85.
Emergency alerts are available by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. City officials urge anyone needing help in an emergency to call 911.
This story has been updated to correctly describe how to seek emergency assistance.
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Monica Melton
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