Communities around the Tri-State are feeling the effects of the season’s first nor’easter as the system bears down on the area with heavy rain and high winds.
Steady rain and gusty winds moved into the region before dawn, with much more expected in the morning ahead.
States of emergency have been declared in both New York and New Jersey. Flash flood warnings are in now effect in several parts of the region, and a flood watch was expanded across the region with up to 6 inches expected in flood-prone areas and wind gusts as high as 30-40 mph or more.
New York City
Residents in Queens took steps to prepare, even as the first rain arrived Monday nighyt.
It was just weeks ago that flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit this community hard, killing three people in their own homes.
People here are still healing emotionally and financially, even as this latest storm batters the region.
Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city ordered teams to the area ahead of the nor’easter to clean out catch basins, ridding them of any debris to help minimize flooding.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, several school districts decided to close ahead of this major rain event, and here’s why.
They had issues with buildings flooding during the last big rain storm in September, from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
This time, they’ve decided not to take any chances, canceling all in-person and remote classes for Tuesday.
Across the state, 30 people died during Ida. Many of them drowned while trapped in their cars.
Long Island
There has already been a lot of heavy rain and wind, and power crews are standing by while people across Long Island are still dealing with damage from the last major storm.
Residents were preparing for another 24 hours of heavy rain.
In Nassau County, the Office of Emergency Management has been activated, County Executive Laura Curran told reporters during a briefing Monday.
The measure ensures coordination between municipal agencies, transit agencies, the Red Cross throughout the county.
In addition, Curran said, Nassau County Police, medics and Marine Units are fully staffed and equipped to handle any potential disaster situation.
“Better to over-prepare than to be caught shorthanded,” Curran said.
With the worst of the storm expected Tuesday morning, officials advised residents to monitor news reports and be prepared to make alternate travel plans.
Tidal flooding remains a particular concern in Long Island communities, especially in the wake of Hurricanes Henri and Ida earlier this season.
States of Emergency declared ahead of storm
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency Monday evening ahead of the nor’easter.
“I am proactively declaring a State of Emergency to ensure we can provide the necessary resources to respond to this storm and protect lives and property in regions where the forecast is calling for significant rainfall,” Governor Hochul said. “I am encouraging New Yorkers to prepare now for inclement weather expected over the coming days and urging commuters to take precaution ahead of heavy rainfall expected tomorrow morning.”
New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory in response to the storm.
“This event may cause flooding in the city, including on highways, streets, underpasses, as well as other poor drainage or low-lying spots,” NYC Emergency Management Incoming Acting Commissioner Andrew D’Amora said. “New Yorkers should give themselves additional travel time and take the appropriate precautions if they must move about the city during the storm.”
MTA officials say they’ve deployed large numbers of crews from New York City Transit, Metro North, LIRR and the bridges and tunnels team in strategic places to respond to flash flooding.
