What to Know
- The tri-state area is expected to get a significant amount of rainfall in the 2 to 4-inch range from midday Tuesday through early Wednesday. The rain will fall on top of up to a foot of snow cover in some interior locations, leading to flooding concerns
- Wind gusts will get above 60 mph in some areas, leading to power outage worries, especially on the Jersey Shore and Long Island. Storm Team 4 is predicted widespread major river flooding throughout the area. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a statement of emergency beginning at 5 p.m. New York City has issued a travel advisory for the duration of the storm
- Once we get through Tuesday’s storms and the impacts from that, we are watching another rain system for Friday night into Saturday that could bring lower rain amounts but would come on top of very saturated grounds and potentially higher rivers
State of Emergency Declared as Severe Storm Approaches the Tri-State Area
In anticipation of an impending winter storm, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties, effective from 5 p.m. on Tuesday. This proactive measure aims to facilitate resource deployment across the state as the region braces for the second major winter storm this season, which poses a significant threat of extreme flooding and wind damage.
The tri-state area, encompassing New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, is expected to experience substantial rainfall ranging from 2 to 4 inches, with the storm forecasted to hit from midday Tuesday through early Wednesday. Compounding the challenge, this precipitation will fall on top of an existing snow cover of up to a foot in some interior locations, intensifying concerns about potential flooding.
The storm’s impact is further heightened by the forecasted wind gusts exceeding 60 mph in certain areas, particularly posing risks for power outages on the Jersey Shore and Long Island. Storm Team 4 predicts widespread major river flooding throughout the region. Governor Murphy’s state of emergency declaration allows for the strategic deployment of resources to manage the challenges posed by the storm.
New York City has issued a travel advisory for the storm’s duration, emphasizing the potential difficulty of travel and the risks associated with the peak of the rainfall on Tuesday evening. Despite not declaring a state of emergency, Governor Kathy Hochul urges New York residents to prepare for widespread flooding and power outages.
Mayor Andre Sayegh of Paterson has also declared a state of emergency, with a Red Cross shelter opening at 60 Temple Street for residents choosing to evacuate ahead of the storm. High-water vehicles and water rescue boats are on standby for potential rescue operations.
In Newark, public safety officials have released a list of commonly flooded intersections to help residents navigate safely. The impending storm comes as parts of New Jersey are still recovering from floods last month and aims to exacerbate the challenges faced in December and over the past weekend.
While the storm is not expected to bring additional snow, heavy rainfall on top of the existing snow cover is anticipated to have a significant impact. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 50s, leading to rapid snowmelt.
Widespread river flooding is predicted, particularly in areas with existing snow cover, with some locations facing severe flooding. Winds gusting over 60 mph on Tuesday night are expected to result in power outages and downed trees, especially in coastal areas like the Jersey Shore and Long Island. High wind warnings are in effect for specific regions, lasting from Tuesday at 6 p.m. through Wednesday morning.
As the tri-state area braces for this challenging weather event, residents are urged to follow safety protocols, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through the latest weather alerts for their neighborhoods. Authorities remain vigilant, preparing for potential rescue operations and emphasizing the importance of community safety during this severe weather event.
