NYC Emergency Management Commissioner on Coastal Flooding and Rainfall Risks

Coastal Flooding Risks in NYC

• ⚠️ The primary concern for the current event is coastal flooding, particularly affecting areas like Southeast Queens, the Rockaways, and around Jamaica Bay.
• 📌 Residents in low-lying areas, especially those familiar with minor to moderate flooding, are advised to prepare.

Preparing for Coastal Flooding

• 💡 Knowing your evacuation zone and signing up for Notify NYC are crucial first steps.
• 🚗 For those with vehicles, moving them to higher ground is recommended.
• 🏠 Basements should be cleared of valuables, and individuals should ensure no one is in them during a flood event.
• 🎒 Having a go-bag prepared for your household is essential for quick evacuation if conditions worsen.

City-Wide Flood Preparedness

• 🗓️ NYC Emergency Management prepares for hurricane season year-round, conducting exercises and drills.
• 🤝 The city collaborates with federal partners like the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service.
• 🗣️ Public messaging and taking care of vulnerable populations are key components of the city's comprehensive plan.

The Challenge of Rainfall Flooding

• 🌧️ A growing concern is rainfall flooding, which differs from coastal flooding and can occur anywhere in the city.
• 🌡️ A warmer climate leads to more moisture in the air, resulting in heavier rainfall rates exceeding the capacity of current sewer systems (designed for ~1.7 inches/hour, but experiencing 2-3 inches/hour).
• 🛠️ While infrastructure is being improved for resilience, more work is needed to address this increasing challenge.

Innovative Flood Mitigation Efforts

• 💧 The city is implementing solutions like porous pavement, with a plan to install 90 miles by 2033.
• 🌊 This innovative pavement allows water to drain directly through, significantly reducing surface water accumulation.
• 🚀 Continued investment and implementation of such projects are vital for making the city more resilient to extreme weather events.