NEW YORK, NY — Severe weather could return Monday evening, with forecasters warning that strong thunderstorms may develop as early as the afternoon and intensify by nightfall. Heavy rain rates of 1 to 2 inches an hour could trigger flash flooding in parts of the city.
The rain may continue overnight and stretch into the Tuesday morning commute, adding another round of travel problems after the storms pass.
Why could flooding become a problem in New York City?
Officials note that New York City’s sewer system is designed to handle about 1.75 inches of rain per hour. If storms reach 2 inches an hour, drains could be overwhelmed, especially in neighborhoods with poor drainage.
That makes low-lying and densely built areas more vulnerable to street flooding and water backup during a fast-moving storm.
How strong could the wind gusts get?
The same storms could also produce damaging wind gusts near 60 mph. That raises the risk of downed limbs, scattered tree damage and isolated power outages if stronger cells move through the area.
Forecasters said the combination of heavy rain and wind could make Monday night especially disruptive even if storms are brief.
Why does the timing matter for the World Cup match?
Any storms that form are expected to overlap with Monday night’s World Cup match between Norway and Senegal. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m., putting the game squarely in the window for the most active weather.
That timing could affect conditions for fans traveling to and from the match, along with anyone commuting through the city late Monday.
What should people do before and during the rain?
Weather officials advised clearing debris from street drains, parking on higher ground when possible and avoiding driving through standing water. Even shallow flooding can stall a car and force a water rescue.
People in basement apartments were urged to move to higher ground quickly if heavy rain begins. Charging devices, checking flashlights and turning on Severe Weather Alerts in the NBC New York app can help people stay informed.
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