The National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Watch for parts of New York City and northeast New Jersey, in effect until 6:00 a.m. on 23 June 2026. The alert covered the five boroughs and adjacent counties, where showers and thunderstorms were expected to continue overnight with locally intense downpours. Last updated: 22 June 2026.
The watch matters because rainfall rates may reach around 2 inches per hour causing rapid runoff, urban flooding and hazardous travel. Forecasters expected most locations to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain through the night, with localized totals near 3 inches possible. Wind gusts up to 50 mph could down trees and power lines, increasing the risk of outages and blocked roadways in densely built neighborhoods and along tree-lined streets.
Areas under watch across NYC and northeast New Jersey
The alert applied to Western and Eastern Passaic, Hudson, Western and Eastern Bergen, Western and Eastern Essex, and Western and Eastern Union counties in New Jersey. In New York City, the watch included Manhattan the BronxStaten Island (Richmond), Brooklyn (Kings), and both Northern and Southern Queens. Authorities emphasized vigilance in low-lying areas underpasses and spots with poor drainage, warning that excessive runoff could impact rivers, creeks, streams and flood-prone corridors across the region overnight.
Rainfall and wind impacts expected overnight
Bands of showers and occasional thunderstorms with very high atmospheric moisture were forecast to progress across the area through the evening and night. Short-duration bursts at or above 2 inches per hour were capable of producing flash flooding, especially where storm drains clog or road crowns funnel water into intersections. Forecasters noted that 1 to 2 inches would be common, but locally up to 3 inches could not be ruled out. Gusts near 50 mph may cause scattered tree damage and downed branches, posing risks to vehicles, pedestrians and above-ground utilities.
City preparedness and public guidance
City officials activated emergency response teams and issued a municipal travel advisory for potential transit delays, ponding and roadway hazards. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated, “Heavy downpours will likely continue into the night. We may see severe thunderstorms and wind gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour.” Residents were urged to secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds, allow extra travel time, avoid flooded underpasses and never walk or drive through standing water.
What residents should monitor and how to respond
Officials advised the public to monitor later forecasts and be prepared for potential Flood Warnings if conditions deteriorate. People in historically flood-prone zones were told to have supplies ready and be prepared to move to higher ground if water rises. A city hotline remained available for storm-related assistance and reports of flooding, downed trees or power issues. In emergencies, callers were directed to dial 911. The watch remained active through early morning as showers and thunderstorms continued to track across the metropolitan area.
