Dear MCN Community Members, 

In light of the current severe weather conditions, both Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have declared a state of emergency. The National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Watch effective until 6 a.m., Saturday, 9/30. Ongoing heavy rains are expected to persist, with accumulated amounts potentially reaching up to 7 inches in some areas. Such conditions elevate the risk of flash flooding, including in areas that typically remain dry. 

Given these circumstances: 

• Avoid Non-Essential Travel: NYC Emergency Management has issued a Travel Advisory due to potential widespread travel impacts, especially during today's morning commute. 

• Stay Informed: Sign up for Notify NYC emergency notification systems for localized emergency alerts in your language. For weather updates, visit the National Weather Service

• Safety First: If in a basement apartment, prepare to move to higher ground and have a Go Bag ready. Avoid flooded streets—whether walking or driving. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown! 

• Immediate Concerns: For immediate hazards, call 911. For service requests or damage reports, use 311’s Severe Weather page. 

For your convenience: 

• OEM Contact: Dial 311 or 212-639-9675. 

• For weather-related emergencies or to file reports, visit 311’s Severe Weather page.

Your safety is paramount. Please heed all warnings, and thank you for your understanding during these challenging times. 

• If you live in a basement apartment in a flood prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.
• Heavy rain across NYC is causing flooding of streets, roadways, and low-lying areas, including basements.
• New Yorkers living in basement apartments must be prepared now to move to higher ground. Heavy rain may cause rapid flooding to basements with little to no notice and can be life threatening.

• If you lose power and are caring for someone who uses life-sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.

• Residential oil tanks in flooded basements may leak or rupture. If you suspect an oil spill in your home, call the NYSDEC Spill Hotline at (800) 457-7362. For more information on home heating oil spills, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8428.html#response or call 311.

• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation. 
• Do not drive your car into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Move to higher ground.
• If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.