More than 1,000 trees fell across New York (illustration). Photo: Shutterstock The "Nor'easter" storm that hit New York is weakening, but is expected to continue to cause local impacts in the city until Monday.
According to the New York City Emergency Management Agency, Jamaica Bay reached moderate coastal flood levels this morning, and city crews continue to respond to more than 1,008 reports of downed trees across the five boroughs.
The number of power outages in the city has dropped from about 2,300 customers in the morning to about 230. City and state crews are continuing recovery operations, with the task force to deal with fallen trees continuing to operate on Monday
New York City Parks Department crews are working 12-hour shifts for the fourth day in a row. The FDNY remains on high alert in the Rockaway and Howard Beach areas, and the flash flood emergency plan remains in effect due to the possibility of heavy rains overnight.
According to the forecast, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue tonight at approximately 0.64 to 1.27 cm per hour, with the possibility of local showers of up to 2.54 cm per hour.
By Monday (local time), between 2.16 and 3.18 cm of rain is expected to fall, and in areas where the showers repeat, the amount may reach up to about 5.08 cm. The city is warning of flooding in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage, and is also allowing for local flash flooding.
Coastal flood warnings are in effect for high tide tonight and into Monday morning. In coastal areas prone to flooding, water may accumulate to about 30 to 46 cm above ground level.
Winds are expected to reach about 40 to 48 km/h tonight, with gusts up to about 56 km/h, before weakening during Monday.
A rip current and high wave warning is also in effect in Brooklyn and southern Queens until 8 p.m. The city warns that dangerous rip currents will continue into Monday, along with the possibility of sand drifts and beach flooding.
Authorities are urging residents living in basements to be prepared to move to a higher floor in the event of heavy rain. Do not remain in a flooded basement and do not return until the area is safe.
Authorities are also warning against walking or driving through floodwaters, including on flooded roads, underpasses, and subway stations.
Residents are asked to stay away from fallen trees and power lines. Residents can report fallen trees to 311, and should call 911 for downed power lines or a tree endangering people.
Authorities also recommend taking photos of damage to homes and businesses before starting cleanup and keeping receipts for damage-related expenses.
The municipality is also urging residents to check on the situation of the elderly, people with disabilities, and neighbors who live in basements or low-lying areas.