Severe Flood Watch issued for New York through July 19

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Watch for New York City and nearby New Jersey areas, effective through 2:00 AM EDT on July 19. The alert affected Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island and multiple counties in northeast New Jersey and southeast New York. Last update: July 18, 2026.

The watch was issued because multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms were expected to bring intense rainfall, with peak rates forecast between 1.5 and 2 inches per hour. Such rates raised the risk of rapid runoff and urban flooding in areas with poor drainage, as well as rising levels on rivers, creeks and streams. Residents in flood-prone locations were urged to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flood Warnings were announced.

Areas covered and timing of the watch

The watch originally issued on July 17 at 2:35 PM EDT covered a broad set of jurisdictions including Western Passaic, Eastern Passaic, Hudson, Western Bergen, Eastern Bergen, Western Essex, Eastern Essex, Western Union, Eastern Union, Southern Westchester, New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island), Kings (Brooklyn), Northern Queens, and Southern Queens. An updated notice placed the watch in effect from 10:00 AM EDT on July 18 through late tonight, July 19 at 2:00 AM EDT, covering portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York including the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island and adjacent New Jersey counties. The timing reflected the expectation of multiple, successive rounds of heavy precipitation.

Forecast impacts and safety guidance

Forecast guidance indicated that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks and streams and that flooding may occur in low-lying and urban areas with poor drainage. Motorists were specifically warned to avoid driving through flooded roads. Officials advised that in case of an emergency residents should dial 911 and follow directions from local emergency services. The National Weather Service urged people in vulnerable areas to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings.

Preparedness and monitoring

Local authorities and emergency services were expected to issue further alerts if conditions worsened. Residents were reminded to stay informed through official channels and to be ready to take protective action if flooding developed. The watch emphasized rapid-onset flooding risk from intense bursts of rain rather than from a single prolonged event, underscoring the need for situational awareness through the watch period.