Flash flood and travel advisories issued ahead of thunderstorms in New York City

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- New York City is under a flood watch as thunderstorms are expected to drench the area late Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning and severe thunderstorm warning for the Bronx and Manhattan through 7:45 p.m.

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a travel advisory for Tuesday into Wednesday. Storms are expected to cause slowdowns during the evening and morning commutes.

“While we expect some disruptions from this weather, all relevant city agencies have been activated and are prepared to handle whatever comes our way. New Yorkers, do your part: stay informed, stay alert, and, if you can, stay put during the worst of it,” warned New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK airports issued ground stops Tuesday afternoon ahead of the impending storms.

The MTA issued a warning on X, telling New Yorkers to give themselves extra travel time during the rainy weather and to use caution on buses and in train stations. 

City officials also urged New Yorkers to be on the lookout for flash flooding on roadways, properties, and basements, especially those in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Wind gusts of up to 50 to 60 mph could knock over trees and cause power outages.

Builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners were urged to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment. Crane operations should be suspended if winds reach 30 mph, while hoist operations should stop if winds reach 35 mph.

Despite the storm, school summer programs and busing are expected to continue. Families can pick up students early if they wish to, and middle schoolers can self-dismiss with guardian approval at the end of the day.

New Yorkers were encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC to receive emergency weather alerts. The app offers warnings in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. 

NYC storm preps and notices:

• Allow extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice
• Use public transportation when possible 
• Do not walk, bike, or drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations 
• Remove debris from catch basins and pick up leaves from your yard to keep them from clogging streets and catch basins
• Prepare to move to higher ground if flooding begins, even if it's raining 
• Clean roofs, crawlspaces, vents, decks/patios and gutters, disposing of anything that could become a projectile during a storm. 
• Charge phones and keep a flashlight with batteries handy
• Always have an emergency kit in your car with items like blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks and a first aid kit