Meteorologists say a trifecta of bad weather is hitting New York City and surrounding areas Wednesday as a “multi hazard storm system” descends on the region.
Those hazards will include strong easterly winds with gusts up to 60 miles per hour Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. The agency issued a high wind warning for New York City, southern Connecticut and Long Island through Thursday morning.
“These winds have the potential to blow down some tree limbs and maybe even some trees and some power lines for those highest gusts, in addition to making some travel difficult if you’re in a large vehicle,” said meteorologist Dave Radell.
At the same time, heavy showers Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning could dump up to 3 inches of rain– prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for New York City and surrounding areas.
“This is going to occur over a long period of time, so we’re not so worried about the real short heavy rainfall that we sometimes experience,” Radell said, adding that some places with poor drainage could see flooding, but shouldn’t be completely inundated.
Finally, a coastal flood warning is in effect for southern Connecticut, southern Westchester, the Bronx, northern Queens and the North Shore of Long Island as abnormally high tides are forecasted to push water inland.
“What we’re looking at are really a couple of high tide cycles this afternoon. And then again early tomorrow morning where we could have one, maybe two feet of inundation,” Radell said, adding that the easterly winds are partially to blame.
With temperatures in the 40s throughout downstate New York and North Jersey, the region is only expected to get rain, but some high-elevation parts of northern New York could see snowfall.
The City’s Office of Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for the five boroughs Wednesday into Thursday.
“Expect travel delays and disruptions tomorrow, and if you need to travel, try to use public transportation and budget additional time to get to your destination,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “Our city’s emergency teams are mobilized and ready to address any impacts this weather may bring.”
The bleak forecast prompted New York Metro Weather to give Wednesday a 0/10 rating in a post on X: “If there is a redeeming quality to this day, I can’t find it. There are no vibes.”
