National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Watch for portions of New York and New Jersey from late tonight through Sunday morning, September 13 at 11:00 AM EDT, and separate Severe Flash Flood Warnings were active in nearby counties until noon. The watch and warnings covered urban and low-lying areas including Western Passaic, Eastern Passaic, Hudson, Western Bergen, Eastern Bergen, Western Essex and additional counties in the region.
Why the alert matters
The alerts signaled potential for flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall with average amounts forecast at 1 to 2 inches and localized higher totals. Peak hourly rates were forecast to reach 1.5 to 2 inches, increasing the risk that runoff will overwhelm storm drains, creeks and small rivers in Western Passaic, Eastern Passaic and other named areas.
Areas covered and timing
The Severe Flood Watch remained in effect through Sunday morning, with the bulletin specifying an end time of 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 13. The affected jurisdictions named in the watch included 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. Separate Severe Flash Flood Warnings covered Putnam and Westchester counties in New York and several Connecticut counties, with warnings active until noon EDT on September 13.
Observed and expected rainfall, hazards
Between 1 and 2 inches of rain had already fallen in some warned areas at the time of the warnings, with additional rainfall possible at similar rates. Forecasters warned that additional amounts of 1 to 2 inches could fall and that peak hourly rates could reach 1.5 to 2 inches. Flash flooding may affect small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses in Western Bergen, Eastern Bergen, Western Essex and other named locations.
The National Weather Service advised residents to monitor forecasts, be prepared to move to higher ground, and to avoid flooded roads. Officials reiterated emergency guidance: in case of emergency, dial 911, and motorists were warned to “turn around and not drown” when encountering flooded roadways. Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to stay alert for possible Flood Warnings and to follow instructions from local authorities. Last updated: September 13, 2026.
