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A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC. Gothamist Listen Live Donate News A flood watch issued for New York City as heavy rains and thunderstorms roll in By Brittany Kriegstein Published Aug 27, 2026 at 8:12 a.m. ET
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City officials are warning New Yorkers to be on the lookout for strong storms and heavy rain that might cause some flooding around parts of the city Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms may begin in the late morning, and will continue on and off through the evening, with the greatest chance of wet weather before 11 p.m.
The NWS has issued a flood watch because some of the showers could produce locally heavy rainfall, said meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki.
“ We're mainly looking at the urban and poor drainage flooding in the city that we typically get if we get heavy rainfall — we could experience some of that, that ponding on the roadways, or worse,” he said.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to be cautious.
"The forecast does not currently indicate a widespread flooding event, but thunderstorms can develop quickly and produce heavy rain and strong winds in a short period of time,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Check conditions before traveling, avoid flooded streets and other flooded areas, and stay informed by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692."
Officials from New York City Emergency Management are also warning residents not to drive, bike or walk through floodwater, which can hide submerged hazards and electrical dangers. They are reminding those who live in basement apartments to stay alert and be prepared to move to a higher floor if conditions worsen.
The forecast calls for anywhere from .5 – 1.5 inches of rain across the city, with some areas possibly getting 2.5 inches of rain where stronger storms develop. Higher totals are more likely north and west of New York City, with lower rainfall totals expected across southern Brooklyn and Queens, according to the NWS.
Some of the more intense storms also pose the risk of damaging wind gusts of up to 65 miles an hour, and small hail, according to forecasters.
The good news: most of the wet weather will clear out by later in the day Friday, leaving a mostly dry weekend.
“ It looks like we do carry at least a chance of some showers during the day Friday, but it should not be as widespread as what we're expecting today,” Ciemnecki said, adding that there might be an isolated shower later Sunday, “But I don't think, at this point, anything would impact anybody's weekend plans.”
Temperatures from Thursday to Sunday are expected to be in the low-80s.
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected] .
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