Severe Flood Watch issued for New York through August 27

National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Watch for parts of New York including ManhattanBrooklyn and Jersey City in effect through August 27 at 11:00 PM. The alert named a broad set of counties and boroughs and warned that excessive rainfall could produce flooding of creeks, streams and low-lying urban areas.

The watch mattered because forecast rainfall amounts and peak rates were sufficient to cause rapid runoff and urban flooding. Total rainfall was expected mainly around 1 to 1.5 inches with some locations seeing up to 3 inches and peak rainfall rates reaching 1.5 to 2.5 inches per hour. Residents were advised to monitor updates and be ready to move to higher ground.

Areas covered and timing

The watch explicitly listed Northern Fairfield, Southern Fairfield, Eastern Bergen and Eastern Essex along with Eastern Passaic, Eastern Union, Hudson, Western Bergen, Western Essex, Western Passaic and Western Union. It also covered Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Northern Westchester, Southern Westchester, Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island), Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Northern Nassau, Northern Queens, Southern Nassau, and Southern Queens. Additional flood watches were issued for Ulster and Dutchess counties with the alert effective from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening and a notice issued at 1:24 a.m. that other counties such as Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester could be added.

Expected impacts and safety guidance

Forecasters warned that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other flood-prone locations and that creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Urban and poor drainage areas were identified as particularly vulnerable to flooding. The guidance reminded the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas and to dial 911 in case of emergency.

Operational details and monitoring

Officials urged residents in named boroughs and counties to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in flood-prone areas were told to be prepared to take action should flooding develop and to follow local emergency instructions. Ultimo aggiornamento: 27 agosto 2026.