5 things you can do to be ready for NYC’s wind and rain storm tonight

Meteorologists have warned New Yorkers to prepare for what could be a powerful storm Sunday night.

They said they expect between two and four inches of rain, and as much as five inches in some places. They also expect strong, damaging winds.

Flooding is expected to be worst near the coast in the New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay, according to Jay Engle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Upton office. The worst flooding could come at high tide Monday just after noon, with the highest water levels expected in southern Queens, according to a city press release.

Winds will be between 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of 45 to 50 miles per hour, Engle said. That could mean fallen branches and some power outages, Engle said.

As New Yorkers get ready for what could be a messy start to their week, here are five things local officials said they can do to get ready, and make informed decisions if the storm gets bad.

1. In case there are power outages, make sure you have fresh batteries in flashlights and radios, said Allan Drury, a spokesman for Con Edison. This would also be a good time to charge your phone, computer or any other important divide, Drury said. He said the power company has crews ready to respond should outages occur. Customers can report them by calling 1-800-75-CONED.
2. Bring in loose things from outside, so they don’t blow away and do damage during the storm, Mayor Adams advised. He said it’s also a good idea to make sure leaves and other debris is not blocking street drains and catch basins.
3. While city officials are urging people to use public transportation rather than getting into cars at the height of the storm, check with the MTA before you leave home to make sure the train, bus or ferry you are planning to take is up and running. Customers can check new.mta.info for the latest service updates. They should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email, officials said. Ferry passengers should use caution on all landings and vessels during the storm, and be prepared for potential service disruptions, officials said. Many pedestrian walkways on bridges will be closed, and empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks will not be allowed on bridges from 10pm Sunday until 2 p.m. Monday, MTA officials said.
4. If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain, and evacuate if necessary. Keep important documents, including insurance information, vehicle titles, and receipts for major appliances off the floor in a waterproof container.
5. Make sure to check for updates from the city emergency communications program. City officials said residents can sign up for the free Notify NYC app, visit NYC.gov, or contact 311.