The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) issued a Travel Advisory for Thursday night into Friday and advised New Yorkers to plan ahead for a period of heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible minor coastal flooding expected to impact the city from late Thursday night through Saturday, with the greatest impacts likely on Friday and during the Friday morning commute. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a citywide wind advisory from late Thursday night through Friday night and several coastal flooding advisories.
A weather system passing north of New York State will push a long cold front through the city Thursday night into Friday. Light drizzle and scattered showers may begin around midnight Thursday, with steadier rain developing by about 4:00 a.m. Friday. There is a general thunderstorm risk starting Friday morning and continues into early Saturday. These storms could bring brief but intense downpours and gusty winds, which may slow road, rail, and air travel.
Rainfall totals of 1 to 1.5 inches are expected across the city, with isolated areas possibly seeing up to 2 inches where thunderstorms develop. Stronger storms could produce nearly 1 inch of rain per hour, or higher. This could lead to localized street flooding, particularly in low-lying or poor-drainage areas.
Coastal flooding is possible Friday morning, with the greatest risk in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and southern Queens, where minor to locally moderate flooding is possible in the most vulnerable shoreline areas. Manhattan, the Bronx, and northern Queens could also see brief minor coastal flooding.
We ask that you share the following safety information with your staff and clients:
Have a Plan
- Avoid all flooded roads and subway stations. Turn around, don't drown. Do not enter floodwaters.
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms and away from windows. Limit travel during the storm. If travel is unavoidable, allow extra time and use caution.
- If you live in a basement or below-grade unit, be ready to leave quickly if water rises inside. Know your exit routes.
- Move vehicles to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.
- If safe to do so, clear catch basins, drains, and gutters near your home before the storm or call 311 to report clogged catch basins. This can reduce localized flooding.
- Check on neighbors who are older adults or who may need help. Make sure any disability or access needs are included in your emergency plan.
- Plan for pets. Bring them with you if you need to leave your home.
- If you are a property owner or manager, ensure sump pumps work. Know how to shut off appropriate utilities safely.
Gather Supplies
- Prepare a Go Bag. Pack essentials including medications, chargers, ID, non-perishable food, flashlights, and important documents in waterproof bags. Don’t forget your pets or service animals: pack supplies to care for them, including food, leashes, a carrier, and medication.
- Charge your phone and devices. Have backup power. Set refrigerators and freezers to colder settings if outages are possible. Keep flashlights and a battery-powered radio ready. Have extra batteries.
- If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment and lose power, call 911. Never use a generator indoors.
- Make sure anyone in your home who needs medications, mobility support, or medical equipment is prepared.
Specific Guidance for Basement and Below-Grade Residents:
- Sign up for the basement alert group on Notify NYC to be alerted about dangerous flooding.
- Keep exits clear of clutter and debris at all times. Practice opening all exits in advance.
- Remove cords, electronics, and other hazards from floor areas prone to flooding.
- Ensure flood or water sensors are installed, tested, and working.
- Set alarms to check conditions overnight when flooding is possible.
- Have a predetermined, safe location to relocate to before storms. Consider relocating early if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted, especially overnight.
- Keep phones charged and ringer volume turned up overnight.
How to Enable Emergency Alerts:
- iPhone Users: Go to Settings > Notifications. Scroll all the way to the bottom and ensure Emergency Alerts and Severe Alerts are enabled. Keep the ringer switch ON and volume up overnight.
- Android Users: Open the Settings app. Tap Safety & Emergency or Notifications (varies by device). Select Wireless Emergency Alerts and ensure alerts for Extreme and Severe Threats are enabled.
Keep phone volume up overnight.
Sample Client Conversation:
“I want to check in with you because a storm with rain and winds is expected. Do you have a way to get emergency alerts that will wake you up if conditions worsen? Make sure your phone is charged, the ringer is on, and alerts are enabled. If you live in a basement or low-lying area, consider moving to higher ground before the storm. Keep a Go Bag ready with essentials like medications, ID, chargers, and important documents in waterproof bags. Bring in or secure anything outside that could blow away in the wind, and keep exits clear in case you need to leave quickly. If you rely on transportation or home care, plan ahead for possible service delays. Let’s make sure your plan is ready before the storm starts.”
Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe. Please share this information widely with staff and clients.
The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www.advancewarningsystemnyc.org/aws
Please do no reply to this e-mail. This mailbox is not monitored. To make changes or receive assistance with your account, please login to the AWS website or contact us through the AWS website. If you think you or someone else may have an emergency, call 911 immediately.