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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a severe warning of flash foods as thunderstorms develop along the East Coast.
Turning to X, the mayor penned, "New York: Heavy rain and possible flooding are expected beginning late tonight and continuing through tomorrow morning. Please take this seriously."
Mayor Mamdani says 'prepare now'
Mamdani also urged those living in basement apartments to "prepare now".
"If flooding begins, move to higher ground immediately. Stay out of flooded streets and never drive through floodwaters. If you are trapped or in immediate danger, call 911. Report downed trees, blocked catch basins and other non-emergency hazards to 311," he added.
Hours later, Mamdani shared that the city would be opening 51 "safe overnight locations" for the NYC residents, especially for those who are at risk of the possible flooding.
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The National Weather Service also issued a string of flood alerts, including flood watches, late Saturday through early Sunday for parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.
A flood watch for Washington, D.C., expired at 1 a.m. Sunday.
Philadelphia and neighbouring counties were under a flood watch through the morning.
A flood watch for New York City was scheduled to start at 4 a.m. Sunday and extend through noon.
New York City Emergency Management said in a statement that 5 to 7 inches of rain could fall in Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as in southern Connecticut, and warned that the city's eastern boroughs could also be hit with heavy rain.
"A small shift in where the rain sets up would bring 5 to 7 inch totals and a much higher flash flooding risk into eastern Brooklyn and Queens,"it said.
The statement also mirrored Mamdani's warning, adding, "New Yorkers in those neighborhoods living in basements and below grade are urged to move to higher ground tonight."
