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UPDATES: Intense Winds From Isaias Causing Power Outages, Subway Suspensions
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Aug 4, 2020
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Jake Offenhartz
Published Aug 4, 2020
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After making landfall in North Carolina as a hurricane on Monday night, Tropical Storm Isaias is now moving briskly up the eastern seaboard — packing heavy winds, torrential rainfall and a chance of tornadoes for New York City. [SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES]
The storm is expected to hit around 11 a.m. on Tuesday and last through the evening, with the most intense downpours occurring between noon and 2 p.m. Up to five inches of rain is expected in some localized areas, creating the potential for "extensive" flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, according to the latest update from the National Weather Service.
Powerful wind gusts could reach as high as 75 miles per hour, leading to downed trees and power lines. Con Ed is warning customers about scattered outages (something that New Yorkers should report to the utility at 1-800-752-6633).
As of Monday morning, the NYC area was also at "enhanced" risk for potential tornadoes, according to the NWS. “When we talk about a tornado warning, that is such a rarity,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday. “It is something to worry about. It means stay indoors, make sure your family is safe.”
Flash flood and wind advisories have also been issued for the area, and the city is under a travel advisory for the remainder of the day.
"The main threats with this system involve heavy rainfall, strong winds, minor to moderate coastal flooding, along with high surf and dangerous rip currents," the NWS said in their advisory. "Additionally, a few tornadoes are possible."
Hurricane Isaias slammed into North Carolina on Monday evening, causing widespread damage throughout the state and claiming at least one life, according to Governor Roy Cooper. More than 300,000 people were without power on Tuesday morning.
On Monday, Hesco barriers and dams were installed along a one-mile stretch of Lower Manhattan in anticipation of possible storm surge of one to two feet. (By comparison, Superstorm Sandy caused surges of up to 14 feet.)
De Blasio said on Monday that he did not expect significant storm surge in other low-lying parts of the five boroughs.
New York City has now been placed under two tropical storm warnings in the last month. It's been more than 20 years since the city saw more than one tropical storm warning in an entire season, NBC reports. The frequency of the extreme weather warnings is in keeping with the scientific consensus about how the climate crisis causes more severe storms.
The storm is expected to fade by Tuesday evening, giving way to clear skies and sun on Wednesday.
UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: More than 50,000 New Yorkers are without power and multiple subway routes have been suspended as heavy winds brought by Tropical Storm Isaias continue lashing the five boroughs on Tuesday afternoon.
The power outages were impacting all boroughs as of 1 p.m., with the largest concentration in Staten Island and southern Brooklyn, according to Con Ed's service map.
According to the National Hurricane Center, a buoy in the New York Harbor has reported sustained wind of 54 miles per hour and a single gust to 63 miles per hour. More damaging winds are expected to hit the New York City area in the coming hours.
As a result, the MTA announced that they will be running indoor-only subway service until the winds die down. Trees and other debris had previously fallen on tracks, the agency said, leading to suspensions on the A, B, L, Q, and 3 trains, as well as the Franklin Avenue Shuttle. The Staten Island Ferry has also suspended service until at least 5 p.m.
So far, New Jersey has absorbed the worst of the storm. At least 780,000 people were without power as of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, according to Governor Phil Murphy. All NJ Transit service has been suspended due to overhead wire and signal issues.
According to NJ.com, a tornado touched down in Cape May on Tuesday morning, and a second was believed to be spotted on Long Beach Island.
4:45 p.m. A man was killed by a falling tree in Queens, as New Yorkers across the city reported branches, debris and other objects sent crashing to the ground by powerful winds.
A spokesperson for Con Ed told Gothamist there are currently 210,000 customers without power as a result of the storm — the second highest total for a storm in the company's history, behind only Superstorm Sandy.
The tornado and flood watch for New York City were cancelled as of 4 p.m., though reports of strong wind gusts remain ongoing.
Check back for updates throughout the day.
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Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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