NEW YORK (WABC) — A powerful windswept rain storm is poised to hit the Tri-State area later Sunday and into Monday, threatening to unleash flooding, disrupt travel and damage property as officials and utilities warn residents to prepare.
Street, urban and coastal flooding is possible, along with power outages and wind damage to property.
Flood watches are in effect across the region for a storm that will have widespread impacts up and down the East Coast. Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and coastal areas of New Jersey and Connecticut are under a wind advisory for gusts as high as 50 mph. Suffolk County is under a high-wind warning for gusts that could hit 60 mph.
Eyewitness News has issued an AccuWeather Alert for the Tri-State region as the storm approaches.
The storm that will tear 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 — cannot be ruled out, especially toward the peak of the storm late Sunday and into early Monday.
Dani Beckstrom times out Sunday’s AccuWeather Alert.
The NYC Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for Sunday into Monday, alerting New Yorkers to prepare for strong to damaging winds and heavy rain that may cause flooding in the city, including highways, streets, basements, and underpasses.
Mayor Eric Adams urged New Yorkers to take the threat posed by the storm seriously.
“At this point, we aren’t expecting major impacts, but minor flooding is possible. To be safe, agencies across the city are hard at work, preparing for any potential impacts,” Adams said.
His concerns were echoed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who underscored the snow threat the storm was presenting for parts of the Empire State, well north of New York City.
“I urge all New Yorkers to prepare now and plan for the next couple of days as the forecast comes into clearer view,” the governor said.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels has decided to implement 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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Sunday’s plans for Holiday Open Streets have also been impacted, as NYPD announced the planned event will now take place inside retail locations along 5th Avenue.
Meanwhile, PSE&G said the winds could reach “hazard levels” and urged residents to secure outdoor holiday decorations as part of their preparations.
“Strong winds can turn outdoor holiday decorations into projectiles, endangering people, property and even your power,” the utility said.
Temperatures on Sunday will surge well above average for early December, as many as 15 degrees above normal on Sunday, with highs around 60, though the warmth will be an afterthought as the first sprinkles from the storm arrive toward midday.
The strengthening storm and trailing cold front will generate rain and strong winds starting with showers Sunday afternoon, with the brunt of the storm, which could include thunderstorms, hitting Sunday night and continuing into early Monday.
The rain is expected to be heavy and gusty winds could cause damage, especially over parts of Long Island.
Crystal Cranmore reports from Freeport, Nassau County with the latest on Sunday’s expected storm.
Officials in Nassau County say while they don’t anticipate any homes will have to be evacuated, they are urging people to be prepared just in case.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also issued a warning for residents to secure all holiday decorations in light of the potentially damaging winds.
AccuWeather says rainfall totals could range from 2 to 4 inches across the area. Parts of Long Island could even see over 4 inches if the storm slows and keeps intensifying.
Powerful gusts ranging from 40-50 mph are expected, with gusts of to 60 mph in coastal areas and Long Island, especially as the cold front itself pushes through.
As the front 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.
The snow is not expected to reach the immediate New York City area, but 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 on Long Island.
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.
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