Flood Watch Issued for Northeast New Jersey and Southeast New York
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York, effective from 2:00 PM EDT on August 20 until 2:00 AM EDT on August 21.
Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible across the region. Showers and potential thunderstorms moving through the area may bring heavy rain, with average rainfall amounts expected between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. Locally higher amounts are possible, and peak hourly rainfall rates could reach around 2 inches.
In northeast New Jersey, the watch includes Eastern Bergen, Eastern Essex, Eastern Passaic, Eastern Union, Hudson, Western Bergen, Western Essex, Western Passaic, and Western Union. In southeast New York, affected areas include the Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Northern Nassau, Northern Queens, Northwest Suffolk, Richmond (Staten Island), Southern Nassau, Southern Queens, Southern Westchester, and Southwest Suffolk.
Excessive runoff from the anticipated rainfall may cause flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone areas. Flooding may also occur in urban areas and locations with poor drainage systems.