NYC Nor’easter: Major Flooding Hits Jamaica Bay as Heavy Overnight Rain Approaches

New York City Emergency Management warns that Saturday night through late Sunday morning will bring the most dangerous travel conditions as a nor’easter continues to batter the city with coastal flooding, heavy rain and strong winds.

Wind gusts have reached 45 mph across the city and 55 mph at JFK Airport. NYC Parks has received about 640 requests involving fallen or damaged trees since Friday, mostly in Queens and Brooklyn.

Jamaica Bay reached major flood levels during Saturday morning’s high tide, while parts of Long Island Sound experienced moderate flooding. Between half an inch and an inch of rain has fallen citywide.

The heaviest rain is expected from around 8 p.m. Saturday, September 26, through mid-morning Sunday. Rainfall rates could reach 1 inch per hour, with some areas receiving 2 inches overnight and isolated totals of 3 inches. Localized flash flooding is possible.

Gusts of 45–55 mph will continue overnight, with an isolated gust of 60 mph possible. Additional fallen trees and power outages are likely.

Moderate flooding is expected in Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways during Saturday night’s and Sunday morning’s high tides. South shore high tides occur around 8:15–9 p.m. Saturday and 8:30–9:15 a.m. Sunday.

Along Long Island Sound, high tides are expected near midnight and around noon Sunday. The midday tide could bring more widespread moderate flooding to the coastal Bronx and northern Queens, including parts of Flushing and Astoria. Minor flooding is expected in Staten Island and Lower Manhattan.

Winds should ease Sunday afternoon, although showers may continue into Monday. All times are local to New York.

Residents should avoid flooded roads and downed power lines. Basement residents should be ready to move upstairs. City beaches remain closed to swimming, with life-threatening rip currents expected.

Report fallen trees to 311. Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 for emergency alerts.