⛈️ Heads up, New York: thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected Tuesday into Wednesday, and localized flash flooding is possible. Rain may start as early as Tuesday morning, but the main event is Tuesday evening. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are most likely between 4 PM and 11 PM, with showers lingering overnight before clearing out by early Wednesday morning. Most of the city will see 1 to 1.5 inches of rain, but spots that get hit with repeated downpours could see 2.5 to 3.5 inches. That's enough to cause flash flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, plus ponding on roads and underpasses. The strongest storms could also bring wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph, capable of causing damage, downing tree limbs, and even some hail. If you live in a basement or a home that floods frequently, know your exits and be ready to move to a higher floor when heavy rain begins. Never stay in or re-enter a flooded basement. Never drive, walk, or swim through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don't Drown. If you hear thunder, go inside and stay away from windows. And bring in or tie down anything loose outside: trash cans, furniture, umbrellas. No watches or warnings are in effect right now. We'll keep you posted as the forecast develops. Check weather.gov/nyc for the latest and sign up for alerts at nyc.gov/notifynyc. 📲

A Flash Flood Warning continues for parts of New York City. The heaviest rain so far has fallen over lower Manhattan and western Brooklyn and Queens. Three-hour totals as of 12:20 PM include 2.20" in Alphabet City, 1.97" at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1.78" in Long Island City, 1.68" in Glendale/Maspeth, 1.41" in Ravenswood, 1.31" in Queensbridge/Dutch Kills, and 1.24" in Chelsea. Rainfall rates in these areas have at times exceeded what the sewer system can drain, and additional rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon into tonight.If you live in a basement apartment or a home that floods frequently, know your exits and be ready to move to a higher floor now, before water arrives. Never stay in or re-enter a flooded basement. Flooding can develop in minutes, so do not wait for water to enter or for another alert before acting. Do not drive, walk, or swim through floodwater, including flooded roads, underpasses, and subway stations. Turn Around, Don't Drown. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and 1 foot can sweep away a car. Floodwater can also hide open drains, downed lines, and other hazards.Check on older adults, people with disabilities, and neighbors in basement or flood-prone units. Call 911 if you are trapped by rising water or in immediate danger. Sign up for alerts at nyc.gov/notifynyc.

KN95 masks are available at public library branches across all five boroughs to protect the health of New Yorkers, especially those at greatest risk from wildfire smoke. Pick one up at:
📚 Brooklyn Public Library locations
📚 Queens Public Library locations
📚 St. George Library Center (Staten Island)
📚 Bronx Library Center (the Bronx)
📚 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, NYPL's main branch (Manhattan) If you must be outside when air quality is poor, a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask can reduce inhalation of fine particulate matter.

💧Basement flooding can hit without warning. Be proactive and have a plan:   🌊 Know your flood risk. Visit FloodHelpNY.org
🔧 Install a water sensor or alarm
🧰 Keep tools handy
💧  Purchase a water pump
🧽 Clear drains, gutters, and stairwells