state-of-emergency
(77WABC)-Drenching rain has prompted a flash flood watch from the National Weather Service for the tri-state area, as an October Nor’easter is blanketing the area with heavy rainfall followed by strong gusty winds. At most, portions of the region could experience up to five to six inches of rainfall according to the National Weather Service:
We wake to heavy rain falling across the Tri-State as a strong coastal low develops offshore.
Several additional inches of rainfall is expected. Take it slow and allow yourself extra time if traveling today.
Read our latest briefing: https://t.co/QrxJiCBwgi pic.twitter.com/JpDcdWW18U
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) October 26, 2021
NJ Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for the garden state ahead of potentially dangerous flooding and gusty winds:
In preparation for the Nor’easter, I’m declaring a State of Emergency beginning at 8:00 PM tonight.
Severe weather conditions will impact the state starting tonight through the next several days.
For updates, follow @ReadyNJ, @NWS_MountHolly, and @NWSNewYorkNY. pic.twitter.com/eJlMgt253f
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 25, 2021
The Governor declares a State of Emergency when he/she believes a disaster has occurred or may be imminent that is severe enough to require State aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering. A State of Emergency is explained if further detail here.
Fox Meteorologist Janice Dean told 77WABC’s Bernie and Sid in the morning program that the heaviest rainfall will end this afternoon. She said It will be followed by high winds, possibly gusting in excess of 70 mph for the Eastern end of Long Island and coastal areas of Massachusetts.
Dean said people are advised to remain at home if at all possible due to the dangers of flash flooding. She reminded people never to attempt to drive or walk thru flooded areas.
Dean explained the Nor’easter formed by an area of low pressure that moved across the Ohio Valley and merged with another low pressure system that came up from the Southeast and “gave us this perfect storm that is really going to ramp up throughout the day today.” Dean said the system will bring showers through Thursday.
The MTA says it has mobilized equipment and personnel throughout the NYC Transit System, the Long Island Railroad and Metro North to deal with any potential flooding or issues related to the Nor’easter.
