May 20 Severe Thunderstorms

On May 20, 2026 severe thunderstorms moved through New York City, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and localized flooding. Several parts of the city, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens exceeded the forecast, with several readings measuring over 2 inches of rain. We are fully mobilized to support impacted New Yorkers and to make sure every affected household, business, and nonprofit has a clear path to report damage and request help.


We are also looking closely at and preparing for more rainfall this weekend, so we urge New Yorkers to prepare by visiting nyc.gov/beready for excessive rainfall, and to subscribe to Notify NYC to receive the latest emergency alerts.


What We're Asking New Yorkers to Do


Report damage at reportdamage.nyc.gov. This helps the city understand where impacts occurred and may support a future request for federal assistance, including SBA disaster loans.

File a 311 service request for specific conditions that need a city response: basement flooding, sewer backups, street flooding, downed trees, power outages, structural concerns, mold, or blocked catch basins. Submit at nyc.gov/311, by phone at 311, TTY 212-504-4115, or VRS 212-639-9675.

Sign up for Notify NYC at nyc.gov/notifynyc to stay informed as recovery continues.

Why Both Steps Matter


A damage report is not the same as a 311 request. The damage report helps the city build the case for federal recovery resources. The 311 request gets a city agency to respond to a specific condition at a specific address. New Yorkers should do both.

City Response


City agencies are coordinating closely with state partners to assess the full scope of the storm's impact. NYC Emergency Management is leading interagency coordination, and our first responders, FDNY, NYPD, DEP, DSNY, DOT, HPD, and Parks crews, as well as our nonprofit partners like NYDIS, have been working through the night and into today to address conditions on the ground.

Safety Reminders for New Yorkers


  • If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Do not return to a damaged building until it has been inspected and cleared.
  • Do not restore power until a licensed electrician confirms it is safe.
  • Document all damage with photos and keep receipts for repairs.
  • NYC tap water remains safe to drink unless otherwise announced.

Federal Assistance

SBA disaster assistance, if approved, can provide low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain nonprofits recovering from physical damage or economic losses. Eligibility depends on the scope and concentration of reported impacts, which is why damage reporting is critical.

Quick Links

Stay Informed

Notify NYC

Notify NYC


Sign up to receive alerts from the City's official source for information about emergencies.
Social Media

Social Media


Connect with NYC Emergency Management on various social media channels.
Ready NYC

Ready NYC


Learn how to make an emergency plan before disaster strikes with the Ready NYC mobile app, available for Apple iOS and Android.
NYC Hazards

NYC Hazards


Find out how severe weather and other hazards can affect New York City.