Flooding concerns as storm hits NYC area

NEW YORK - A slow-moving storm producing heavy downpours could cause flash flooding in the New York City region on Tuesday.

The storm could bring 2-4 inches of rain, and even higher amounts in some areas outside of NYC. Rainfall rates could hit 1 inch an hour.

There is a chance of scattered flash flooding in urban areas, roads, and along small streams and creeks. The good news is that it appears that flooding along larger streams and rivers is unlikely.

NYC storm timing

The storm was expected to move through the area through Tuesday evening. The heaviest rainfall is expected midday on Tuesday.

Areas north and west of NYC and southern Connecticut are likely getting the heaviest rainfall so far. More than 6 inches of rain had fallen by early Monday evening in Connecticut. New London County got more than 5 inches of rain in an hour.  The Woodstock Fair in Connecticut closed early on Labor Day due to flood concerns.

A Flood Watch is in effect through Tuesday evening.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the National Weather Service said. "Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas."

The storm could also bring some thunderstorms.

Here are some rain totals by Tuesday morning:

MTA prepares for weather problems

The MTA said it deployed crews to prepare for and respond to weather-related problems in the transit system.

"Crews will prepare and fuel two trains capable of high-capacity pumping, two trains designed for debris clean-up, and additional emergency trucks and emergency response equipment including track pumps and chain saws," the MTA said in a statement. "To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding that do occur, crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response."

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NYC travel advisory

The NYC Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory through Tuesday. New Yorkers are advised to prepare for potential rain and thunderstorms.

The city also warned that periods of heavy rain may cause flooding in the city, including basements. During periods of heavy rain, seek higher ground or, if in a basement, move to a higher floor. City agencies have taken action to clean catch basins and remove street litter in the event heavier rain occurs.

The storm was causing problems across the East.

The storm moved up from the South. Parts of Georgia saw 12 inches of rain in some hard-hit areas.

Flash flood conditions were in the Rhode Island cities of Providence and Cranston, the National Weather Service reported. While there had been no reports of injuries in the area, a number of roads were closed by Monday afternoon, including a section of Interstate 95, and Route 10 — one of the main arteries into and out of Providence.

With The Associated Press.