New York City issued a citywide travel advisory on Thursday, December 18th, to alert residents about an impending strong storm. The meteorological department predicts that from Thursday night to Friday night, the city will face strong winds, heavy rain, and there is a possibility of coastal areas experiencing flooding and risks of surges of seawater.
The National Weather Service (NWS) mentioned that a cold front is approaching the New York area, which may bring thunderstorms with a total rainfall of around one inch. The rain is expected to gradually taper off after noon on Friday.
Meteorologist Dominic Ramunni advised residents to prepare in advance for the windy weather, stating that “any holiday decorations that are not securely fastened, or outdoor items prone to being dislodged, should be properly secured.”
The New York City Emergency Management Agency (NYCEM) has issued coastal flood and strong wind warnings for the five major administrative districts, urging people to be cautious of objects that could be blown or carried away by strong winds while outdoors, whether walking, driving, or biking.
According to forecasts, wind gusts could reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. The city government also issued a citywide travel advisory, recommending residents to plan their trips in advance and allocate more time for travel.
NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol stated in a release that this weekend marks a peak holiday travel period, and inclement weather may affect transportation. “For many New Yorkers, this is a busy holiday travel weekend, and heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on Friday could slow down traffic across the city,” Iscol said. “Checking the weather forecast before heading out, maintaining travel flexibility, and staying alert to weather changes can help avoid unnecessary delays. We urge the public to allow for extra time, reduce speed, and stay updated on weather changes to ensure a safe arrival at their destination.”
The Department of Buildings also issued reminders to property owners and construction sites to secure equipment and materials before inclement weather hits. Officials mentioned that random inspections will be conducted, and if safety hazards are found, enforcement actions will be taken immediately, including potentially issuing stop work orders if necessary.
The weather bureau pointed out that during Thursday to Friday, the temperature in New York City may rise to over 50 degrees Fahrenheit (around 10 degrees Celsius), with a chance of breaking historical records for the same period. However, this warm spell is not expected to last long. By dinner time on Friday, temperatures may rapidly drop to the 30s (around 0 degrees Celsius).