Nor’easter May Bring Coastal Flooding on Saturday

Liena Zagare -
Storm coming, Coney Island. Liena Zagare/Bklyner

COASTAL BROOKLYN – The storm headed our way is expected to bring rain and high winds starting tonight through Saturday. The city’s Emergency Management Department is advising that moderate coastal flooding may happen during the Saturday high tide, and minor coastal flooding is possible during the Sunday morning high tide.

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning, which will be in effect tomorrow morning from 9 am to noon. Affected areas are near the waterfront and the shorelines along southern Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.A Wind Advisory is also in effect for New York City from 1 am through noon on Saturday, October 27. It will be windy – expect 20 mph to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, which is perfect for downing tree limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are possible, and drivers are asked to use extra caution.

A High Surf Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday along the shores of Brooklyn and southern Queens. This means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.

Safety Tips from the Office of Emergency Management:

NYC residents living in coastal areas expected to experience minor or moderate coastal flooding should take the following preparedness steps:

  • Prepare a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry — for every member of your household, including pets.
  • Learn the safest route from your home or workplace to safe, high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your household emergency plan.
  • If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.
  • Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
  • When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live.
  • Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.

Power Outages

  • To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer. Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.
  • If you lose power & have a disability, access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) & need immediate assistance, dial 911.
  • Do not use generators indoors.

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

  • Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
  • Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
  • Close up and secure patio umbrellas.
  • Secure retractable awnings.
  • Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.
  • Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.
  • Beware of falling branches if you are near trees.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/emergencymanagement. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.