NEW YORK (WABC) — A powerful windswept rain storm is soaking the Tri-State region, with the city, Long Island, and some parts of New Jersey experiencing some ponding and flooding on local roads. The storm began Sunday morning, picked up intensity overnight, and is now beginning to wrap up with a blast of cold air Monday morning, and for northerly areas, even some snow.
Street, urban and coastal flooding is being seen in some parts, along with some limited power outages as an AccuWeather Alert remains in effect. While the rainfall totals are hitting within the expected range, the wind is not as powerful as it was expected to be.
Chantee Lans reports on the flooding from Freeport.
There are flood watches covering the region, with particular concern over flooding in southern Connecticut, with the National Weather Service pointed out that flooding there could pose an “elevated threat to life.”
The heaviest rain should be off shore by dawn, but rain — and snow well north and west — will persist for a time before the sun returns, and highs reach the seasonable mid-40s around the city, though gusty winds may linger.
AccuWeather says rainfall totals could range from 2 to 4 inches across the area, with possibly more over Long Island.
The storm that is tearing through our region is the same that was responsible for deadly tornadoes in Tennessee on Saturday, but storms of such severity are not expected here, though rumbles of thunder — unusual for December — were heard in some parts.
Janice Yu reports from Queens where some roads have flooded.
The NYC Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory, alerting New Yorkers to take caution with the heavy rain that may cause flooding in the city, including highways, streets, basements, and underpasses.
Brooklyn was socked by torrential rain in late September. Streets turned into rivers and basements were overrun with water. Fortunately, it did not get that bad, but there is some flooding reported.
Hoboken, which often sees destructive flooding, was experiencing heavy rain and so far no major flooding has been reported.
Anthony Johnson reports on the rain and flooding from Hoboken.
Mayor Eric Adams earlier urged New Yorkers to take the threat posed by the storm seriously.
“I urge all New Yorkers to watch the weather and plan your travel and activities accordingly with updated forecasts to stay safe, especially during tomorrow’s morning commute,” Governor Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers on Sunday.
Over in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy issued a similar warning for residents, as localized floods and thunderstorms are expected in the state.
“We are now expecting localized flooding and severe thunderstorms across New Jersey, and possible snow in the northeastern parts of the state,” he shared in a statement posted to X.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels implemented a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks starting at 6 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday. During the same time span, pedestrian walkways will be closed at the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge.
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As the cold front connected to the storm ushers in colder air, snow is expected for areas well north and west of the city. The Catskills could see up to 6 inches of snow, with a winter storm warning in effect, and northwestern New Jersey is in for a coating to as much as 3 inches. Snow is expected to stay north and west of Interstate 287.
It will be markedly colder on Monday. In fact, early Monday could see a 30-degree temperature range across the region, with readings in the 30s in the Catskills and 60s in coastal New Jersey.
Temperatures will return to near or slightly below the historical average for early December across the Tri-State. No rain or snow is in the forecast for the rest of what should be a quiet week weatherwise.
NWS Advisories, Watches and Warnings
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Source: abc7
