NYC on High Wind and Coastal Flood Watch for Wednesday
Wednesday’s nor’easter is developing now. Although the storm still poses a threat to very vulnerable areas, today’s forecast is actually bringing good news. Finally.
“As it moves northward, it is expected to bring heavy rain, wet snow and gusty winds to parts of the Northeast,” says the National Weather Service. “The latest model guidance, however, suggests that this system may move a bit further offshore than previously thought, thus lessening the impacts.”
Despite that, New York is still under high wind and coastal flood watches for Wednesday. Parks will be closed for 24 hours from noon on Wednesday. This is likely to avoid problems with dangerous trees. Prospect Park has lost 319 trees due to Sandy.
Mayor: We’re closing all @NYCParks, playgrounds, and beaches effective from noon Wednesday to noon Thursday.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) November 6, 2012
Mayor: We will make sure that people who are elderly, homebound, or have infants are safe, and encourage them to go someplace warm.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) November 6, 2012
National Weather Service has put NYC on a high wind watch & coastal flood watch, from Weds morning to late Weds night (via @NYCMayorsOffice)
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) November 6, 2012
We can still expect winds above 50 mph and 2-4 inches of rain. Snow and slush is possible but there will be no accumulation. Further beach erosion will occur as a result of a 3 foot storm surge plus 8 to 12 foot waves.
On top of that, it will be cold and possibly freezing on Wednesday night. Many residents in places like Rockaway refuse to leave their unheated homes for fear of looting. They’ve been preparing for this next storm by wearing layers and layers of clothes donated after Sandy. If you know someone whose home is still without heat or power, make sure they’ll be warm through the night.
Graphic: GFS computer model forecast valid 7pm EST tomorrow evening