#34-25

October 29, 2025
 

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT AND URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS ON THURSDAY

High Winds and Minor Flooding may Disrupt the Evening Commute
 

NEW YORK — The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Thursday, October 30. The department, working in close coordination with the National Weather Service, is monitoring a low-pressure system forecast to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the city on Thursday, October 30. According to the latest forecast, the heaviest rainfall is expected from Thursday afternoon until Thursday evening. Rainfall rates may briefly reach one inch per hour, with a total rainfall of 1 to 2 inches expected. Winds will also increase through Thursday afternoon, with sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 40 mph Thursday evening. As the storm exits on Friday, stronger winds are expected, with gusts up to 40 mph and possibly 50 mph.

“New Yorkers know how to handle tough weather, and we will get through Thursday’s storm the same way we always do: together and prepared,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our teams across the city are ready to respond, and we are asking New Yorkers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable. Give yourself extra time to get around, secure anything outdoors that could blow over, and keep an eye on the forecast. Sign up for Notify NYC so you have the latest information at your fingertips. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and smooth lead-up to Halloween.”

“New York City is bracing for heavy rainfall and high winds just before Halloween,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “NYC Emergency Management has activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan, and we are closely coordinating with the National Weather Service and our partner agencies in response to the expected weather conditions. We urge New Yorkers to prepare for potential impacts, especially if you plan to participate in early voting. Please allow for extra travel time and consider using public transportation. Sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed with the latest weather updates.”

Localized minor nuisance flooding is possible in low-lying and poor-drainage locations, especially where wet leaves can block catch basins. A minor coastal flooding risk may occur around high tide in vulnerable shoreline areas, including parts of southern Queens and Jamaica Bay. Rain is expected to clear out by Friday morning. 

NYCEM offered New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after the storm:

Have a Plan

• Avoid all flooded roads and subway stations. Turn around, don't drown. Do not enter floodwaters.
  
• Limit travel during the storm. If travel is unavoidable, allow extra time and use caution.
  
• If you live in a basement or below-grade unit, be ready to leave quickly if water rises inside. Know your exit routes.
  
• Stay indoors during thunderstorms and away from windows.
  
• Move vehicles to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.
  
• If safe to do so, clear catch basins, drains, and gutters near your home before the storm or call 311 to report clogged catch basins. This can reduce localized flooding.
  
• Check on neighbors who are older adults or who may need help. Make sure any disability or access needs are included in your emergency plan.
  
• Plan for pets. Bring them with you if you need to leave your home.
  
• If you are a property owner or manager, ensure sump pumps work. Know how to shut off appropriate utilities safely.
  

Gather Supplies

• Store important documents in waterproof containers. Maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to confirm flood coverage.
  
• Charge your phone and devices. Have backup power. Set refrigerators and freezers to colder settings if outages are possible.
  
• Keep flashlights and a battery-powered radio ready. Have extra batteries.
  
• If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment and lose power, call 911. Never use a generator indoors.
  
• Make sure anyone in your home who needs medications, mobility support, or medical equipment is prepared.
  

Stay Informed

• Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents.
  
• Monitor real-time flood information at floodnet.nyc.
  
• Keep a battery-powered radio available if power is lost.
  
• Stay away from downed power lines. Treat them as live and call 911 if they are causing a life-threatening situation.
  
• To report downed trees in NYC, call 311. For life-threatening emergencies involving a tree, such as one blocking a road or near power lines, call 911 immediately

 

For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311. 

BASEMENT APARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING FLASH FLOODING AND SEVERE STORMS

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, flooding is New York City’s most dangerous public health threat, and it can become deadly in minutes. Flash floods can turn streets into rivers and fill basements with little or no warning. Severe thunderstorms can also bring damaging winds, hail, and downed trees or power lines. Basement apartments are especially dangerous. People have drowned because they could not escape in time. Do not wait to act. Consider leaving before flooding begins or conditions worsen.

• Plan: If you live in a basement or below-grade home or frequently-flooded area, relocate to a safer location as soon as you believe conditions could lead to flooding. Pay close attention to weather alerts and conditions, but do not wait for a watch or warning to act. Sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency communications program, by visiting the Notify NYC page, or calling 311. Keep phones close and alerts on, especially at night. Know where you will go and how you will get there, and never wait until water is at your door.
  
• Act: Pack a Go Bag with essentials you can grab quickly, including ID, medications, chargers, and waterproof bags for documents and electronics. Consider installing a flood sensor to provide early warning if water enters your home.
  
• Survive: If water outside is more than 6 inches deep, it may be too late to evacuate safely. Move to a higher floor immediately, avoid floodwater which can be contaminated or electrified, and call 911 if you are in danger.

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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications), @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)