Heavy rain, high gusts, and a powerful Nor’easter are wreaking havoc in the Tri-State area.
WABC-TV reports from New York City. As the season’s first nor’easter bears down on the Tri-State area with heavy rain and severe gusts, residents across the region are coping.
Before dawn, steady rain and strong winds crept into the area, and more is forecast in the morning.
Both New York and New Jersey have proclaimed states of emergency. It has been expanded over the region, with up to 6 inches forecast in regions prone to flooding and wind gusts as high as 30-40 mph or more, causing flash flood warnings to be issued in numerous areas.
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The New York City
Even as the first rain began to fall Monday night, residents around the city and in Queens in particular began to take precautionary measures.
Some locals discovered a huge mess when they awoke on Tuesday morning. A large tree fell on numerous cars near 35th Avenue and 72nd Street in Jackson Heights.
Because of the alternate side parking rule, Martin Quinn came out this morning and discovered the devastation.
Quinn said he’s grateful that no one was hurt, including himself.
The Bronx River Parkway was shut down because of the recent heavy rains. Both directions of Main Street were closed.
Additionally, County Center from the Sprain Brook Parkway was shut down in both directions.
Crews are still monitoring flooding conditions in high-risk zones, according to the city.
Just a few weeks ago, three people were killed in their own houses by floodwaters from the remains of Hurricane Ida.
People in that region are still recovering emotionally and financially, despite the recent disaster.
According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the city sent workers to the area ahead of the nor’easter to clean out catch basins and remove any debris, in an effort to reduce flooding.
On Tuesday morning, Mayor de Blasio congratulated the city’s flood-prevention employees for their efforts.
The mayor remarked, “Some folks went the additional mile.” “About 250 of the city’s schools, which were at risk of flooding, had janitors on duty. To ensure that there were no issues, the staff stayed overnight.
Fortunately, all of those establishments were able to reopen completely. We dispatched teams to drop sandbags in strategic locations, including Queens. DEP sanitised 4,500 catchbasins. Sanitation has been available. Despite the difficulties, everyone has performed admirably.”
‘The Garden State’
The New Jersey
Because of the impending heavy rains, numerous New Jersey school districts have opted to shut down.
The remains of Hurricane Ida’s rain storm in September caused some flooding difficulties in the area.
All in-person and virtual classes have been cancelled for Tuesday, as a precautionary measure.
Ida claimed the lives of 30 persons across the state. While stuck in their vehicles, many of them succumbed to drowning.
It’s All About Long Island.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Long Island was battered by heavy rain and wind, and electricity crews were on standby.
Just after noon on Tuesday, Suffolk County, New York, proclaimed a State of Emergency.
An emergency management office in Nassau County, New York, has been activated, providing coordination between local governments and the Red Cross.
Additional to this, the Nassau County Police Department is well-staffed and well-equipped to deal with any crisis that might strike.
In the wake of the storm, officials urged locals to keep an eye on the news and be ready to change their travel plans.
There is still a lot of anxiety about coastal flooding on Long Island after hurricanes Henri and Ida hit earlier this season.
Prior to a Hurricane, Emergency Declarations were Made
Prior to the nor’easter, New York Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed a state of emergency.
Gov. Hochul said, “I am preemptively declaring a State of Emergency so that we may deploy the necessary resources to respond to this storm and protect lives and property in areas where the forecast is calling for considerable rainfall.”
“I’m advising New Yorkers to get ready now for the terrible weather forecast over the next few days, and I’m urging commuters to take precautions ahead of the heavy downpour expected tomorrow morning.”
In reaction to the storm, the New York City Department of Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory.
NYC Emergency Management Incoming Acting Commissioner Andrew D’Amora warned that “this event may produce flooding in the city, especially on highways, streets, underpasses, as well as other low-lying locations.” As the mayor said, “If you have to go through the city during the storm, provide extra time and take proper precautions.”
Many crews from the New York City Transit, Metro North, LIRR, and bridges and tunnels teams have been stationed in key locations to deal with flash flooding, according to MTA officials.
At 8 p.m. on Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey also declared a State of Emergency for the state, which went into force at that time.
New Jersey will be hit hard by the expected Nor’easter storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain, coastal flooding, and high wind gusts. Stay off the roads, be alert and follow all safety rules are the recommendations for residents.