For Immediate Release  
#20-23  

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND FLASH FLOODS

July 15, 2023 — The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Sunday, July 16. According to the National Weather Service, New York City may experience showers and thunderstorms starting late tonight and continuing until Sunday evening, with most showers occurring Sunday afternoon into the evening. The severe weather could lead to widespread rainfall ranging from 1 to 2 inches, with localized amounts of 3 to 5 inches possible. There is a moderate risk for flash flooding in certain parts of the city especially in poor drainage areas and a Flood Watch is now in effect for the entire region.

“We are closely tracking the impending storm that could bring significant rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and flash flooding to our city starting late tonight and into tomorrow,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Particularly for those in flood-prone areas, this is a time for heightened alertness and adherence to safety precautions. I call on all New Yorkers to keep themselves informed using our official channels for the most current updates."

New York City Emergency Management, in response to the forecasted weather threat, has activated its Flash Flood Plan. For access to timely and accurate updates, New Yorkers should sign up for the City’s emergency alert system Notify NYC and follow NYC Emergency Management on social media. 

Safety Tips

• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.  
• If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.  
• If you live in a basement apartment in a flood prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.
• Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations. 
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or download the free app for your Android or Apple device. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter. 

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