NEW YORK (PIX11) – Debby is tracking north Friday morning; expected to dump heavy rain and possibly spawn tornadoes in the tri-state area.
In New Jersey, the city of Englewood expects hazardous conditions during the Friday morning and evening commute, according to officials. They're asking people to avoid the roads if possible and to never drive through water if they are unsure of its depth.
Roads were submerged and vehicles had to be towed over flooded roads in Hackensack earlier this week. New Jersey residents told PIX11 News that they're worried about what the storm could bring.
"There are people that are concerned," said Rae Tamashausky, a Warren County resident. "I spoke to one of my neighbors yesterday, and she was online looking for a pump to put in her basement."
Homeowners in New York City are also preparing. Ava Daniel was one of dozens of people who attended a flood preparedness town hall Thursday, hosted by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection.
Daniel's basement in the Bronx flooded earlier this week when more than five inches of rain hit the area.
"Losing things, throwing things out, things that are not replaceable, and just general clean up is a pain in the tuckus," Daniel said.
The agency handed out flood kits filled with sump pumps, flood barriers and flood sensors. Daniel is hoping the kit will help with Friday’s rain.
"Worried but hoping that this will help mitigate some of that," she said.
The MTA has crews clearing drains and preparing equipment to clear tracks of trees if necessary, according to the agency. NYC Transit also has emergency trucks, deployable pumps, debris trains and pump trains ready to go.
The MTA is reminding people to avoid unnecessary travel if possible.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
