Heavy rain is anticipated in the New York City metropolitan area, as well as parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, on Thursday. This weather event follows the city's first drought warning in over twenty years.
The National Weather Service in New York reported that one of the driest periods on record, lasting over 150 years, is likely to end as significant rainfall is expected to bring up to 1.5 inches to the region. Rain is forecasted to begin late Wednesday and intensify overnight, potentially complicating Thursday morning commutes.
Coastal flood advisories have been issued for most of Long Island and the coastline from Southern Westchester County to Southern Fairfield County in Connecticut. These advisories will be active from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, with forecasts suggesting inundation of up to 12 inches in vulnerable areas near the waterfront. Roads and properties at risk include low-lying areas, parking lots, parks, and homes with basements close to the shore.
A Coastal Flood Statement has also been released for New York City's shoreline, indicating that minor flooding of vulnerable shore roads and adjacent properties could occur due to elevated storm tides and wave splash-over effects, compounded by the full moon.
Residents in southern Queens should prepare for minor flooding from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., while those in northern Queens and the Bronx may face inundations between 1 and 4 p.m. Although the much-needed rain is not expected to completely alleviate the drought, it will provide relief, particularly concerning ongoing fire weather issues.
Rohit Aggarwala, the city’s chief climate officer, noted that reservoirs are nearly 20% below normal levels, emphasizing that eight inches of rain are required to restore balance.