Saturday morning commuters in Lower Manhattan found themselves dodging puddles and wrestling with umbrellas as the first bands of rain from a potent Nor’easter swept across the city. The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory late Friday, warning that neighborhoods from the Rockaways to Red Hook could see high water during high tide cycles through Sunday afternoon.

By midday, subway platforms in Queens were slick with water tracked in from soaked shoes, and city officials urged New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary travel. ‘We’re monitoring storm drains and deploying extra crews,’ said Sanitation Commissioner Lila Torres at a press briefing outside City Hall. ‘Expect delays and possible closures in low-lying areas.’

Winds gusting up to 45 mph are forecast to batter exposed parts of Brooklyn and the Bronx, raising concerns for scaffolding, sidewalk sheds, and the city’s ever-present outdoor dining structures. On Staten Island, residents along Father Capodanno Boulevard stacked sandbags in anticipation of street flooding, recalling the chaos left by Ida’s remnants just a few years ago.

The storm’s timing couldn’t be worse for fall festivities: Harvest fairs in Prospect Park and the annual apple-picking buses departing from Midtown were postponed or canceled. The Department of Education notified parents that after-school programs may be affected if conditions worsen.

Officials recommend keeping electronics charged and preparing for possible power outages, especially in neighborhoods with overhead lines. ‘We’re New Yorkers,’ said Torres, ‘but even we know when to stay inside.’

Frequently Asked Questions

What weather advisories have been issued for NYC due to the Nor’easter?

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory late Friday for NYC neighborhoods including the Rockaways and Red Hook.

How strong are the winds expected to be during the Nor’easter in NYC?

Winds up to 45 mph are expected in Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Which events have been canceled or postponed in NYC because of the storm?

Harvest fairs in Prospect Park and annual apple-picking trips from Midtown have been postponed or canceled.

What precautions are NYC officials taking in response to the Nor’easter?

City officials are monitoring storm drains, deploying extra crews, and warning of possible delays and closures in low-lying areas.

What should NYC residents do to prepare for the Nor’easter?

Officials recommend keeping electronics charged and preparing for possible power outages, especially in neighborhoods with overhead lines.

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