As severe weather sweeps through New York City, residents face a day of storms with potential flooding and hazardous weather conditions. Manhattan is looking at showers and thunderstorms mainly after 2pm today, with the possibility of some storms being severe and an expected high near 87 degrees. The chance of precipitation stands at a formidable 80%, and new rainfall could accumulate between a half and three quarters of an inch.
The troubling weather extends beyond just Manhattan. Across the East River, Brooklyn, too, braces for thunderstorms with metrics closely mirroring Manhattan's, only slightly cooler with a high near 84. The forecast in Queens predicts similar conditions, though rainfall might be heavier, with amounts forecasted between 1 and 2 inches. The Bronx and Staten Island are not left out of the storm's path, with both boroughs expecting severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall this evening.
In response to the advancing cold front, the National Weather Service New York NY has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the area. "Thunderstorms will develop ahead of a cold front this afternoon. The main threat is damaging winds, although large hail and an isolated tornado are possible," the report states, underscoring the seriousness of the forecast. Heavy rain is anticipated to bring about urban and poor drainage flooding, heightening the risk of localized flash floods.
Adding to the concern, a high rip current risk is in effect through this evening for coastal areas, including Kings (Brooklyn) and Southern Queens. This situation signifies a heightened danger for those in proximity to the water, be they onlookers or swimmers, a risk emphasized by the NWS advisory. Despite the looming storms, the forecast for the upcoming week points toward a reprieve, as the weather is expected to clear up by Sunday afternoon, leading into several days of sunny conditions across the boroughs.
