New York City and parts of New Jersey are under a flash flood warning as heavy downpours and strong storms sweep through the area on Monday morning, August 3, 2026.
Why it matters: Flash floods can pose serious risks to life and property, particularly in urban areas where drainage systems may be overwhelmed.
The flash flood warning remains in effect until 8:45 a.m. for New York City and western portions of Long Island.
Heavy rain rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are expected, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 5 inches.
The New York City Emergency Management Department activated the city's Flash Flood Emergency Plan on Sunday.
Driving the news: A slow-moving storm system combined with tropical air is responsible for the severe weather, leading to widespread showers and thunderstorms.
Rain began moving into western New Jersey around 4 p.m. on Sunday, with the heaviest precipitation expected during Monday's morning commute.
Most of Northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties, is under a Flood Watch through Monday night.
The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for NYC and Westchester County from 5:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on Monday.
Location
Expected Rainfall
Flood Watch Duration
New York City
1-3 inches, isolated 5 inches
Until 8:45 a.m., August 3
Northern New Jersey
0.5-2 inches, isolated 3 inches
Through Monday evening
Westchester County
0.5-1.5 inches
Until 8:15 a.m., August 3
State of play: The storm system is expected to bring torrential downpours and damaging winds, increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas.
By 7 a.m. Monday, an inch of rain had already fallen in NYC, with additional rainfall expected throughout the day.
Motorists have been advised to avoid flooded roadways and seek higher ground if necessary.
Areas likely to experience the greatest impacts include Queens, Brooklyn, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and parts of northern New Jersey.
The big picture: Atmospheric moisture levels are nearing record highs, creating ideal conditions for heavy rainfall.
Forecasters predict that the peak rainfall window will occur Monday morning into early afternoon, with potential for rain rates exceeding 1 inch per hour.
A cold front is expected to pass late Monday afternoon, gradually improving conditions from west to east.
Tuesday will bring welcome sunshine and lower humidity, but unsettled weather is forecast to return later in the week.
What they're saying: Officials are urging residents to take the flooding threat seriously.
“During periods of heavy rain, move to higher ground,” the NYC Emergency Management posted on social media.
Emergency officials have cleaned catch basins and cleared street litter ahead of the storm system.
“This wet weather pattern is typical for mid-summer due to high atmospheric moisture,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.
By the numbers: Rainfall predictions have varied significantly across the region.
NYC could see 1-3 inches of rain, with some areas experiencing isolated downpours of up to 5 inches.
Most of Northern New Jersey is under a Flood Watch through Monday evening, with rain totals averaging between 0.5 and 2 inches.
Waves up to 10 feet are expected at beaches south of NYC and on Long Island due to a High Surf Advisory.
What's next: After the storm system moves out, a high-pressure system will bring drier conditions on Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-80s on Tuesday, with less humidity.
Unsettled weather with scattered showers and thunderstorms is forecast to return from Wednesday through Friday.
NYC residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for possible flooding as the week progresses.