Clear guidance for floods and extreme weather in New York City.

Flooding and Extreme weather are becoming detrimental in NYC.

Rain on a window with blurred city lights in the background during nighttime.

Rainfall

NYC storms can dump over 3.5 inches of rain in a single hour

Emergency medical personnel preparing a stretcher outside an ambulance at a hospital or medical facility entrance.

Fatalities

Extreme weather events in NYC can kill dozens of people

A flooded residential street with water covering the road and partially submerging the curb, houses on both sides, and trees in the background under an overcast sky.

Flooding

One NYC storm can flood over 33,000 buildings and homes

A residential street submerged in floodwater, with houses on both sides, some with balconies and a variety of colors, and utility poles and wires visible.

High Tides

High-tide flooding could increase by 600% by the 2040s

A flooded city street with people walking through the water, some with umbrellas and boots, cars partially submerged, and a person with a bicycle carrying a green crate in the foreground.

What This Means For You

Flooding in New York City happens incredibly quickly. Heavy rain can overwhelm storm drains in minutes, especially in low-elevation neighborhoods and older parts of the city. Streets that look passable can turn into moving water, and your basement can fill before you even realize what’s happening.

Across the city, flooding is worsened by clogged storm drains, old sewer systems, and impervious surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground. These conditions make flash flooding faster and more dangerous than people expect.

That’s why preparation matters. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a storm can prevent injuries, reduce damage, and save lives.

A man wading through flooded street with NYPD police car and water-resistant buildings in the background.

Want To Help Out?

Fighting extreme weather is a community effort that requires a multifaceted approach. From helping clear storm drains and checking on neighbors to contacting local representatives, there are many ways to take action.

Flood Risk Across NYC: See Which Areas Are Most Vulnerable

Use this map from the NYC Department of Urban Planning to see which areas are most prone to flooding. This information is crucial for extreme weather preparation, and can serve as a resource if you find yourself in a flood.

Learn More About Extreme Weather

New York City faces increasing risks from extreme weather, from flash floods to powerful coastal hurricanes. These challenges reflect a larger trend across the United States, where storms, heat waves, heavy precipitation, and other extreme events are becoming more frequent and severe. Understanding both the local and national impacts of extreme weather is key to spreading the real narrative of climate change and its harmful effects.

Person drawing a flower on a colorful poster with the text 'Save the Planet' and a drawing of Earth surrounded by hearts, flowers, and leaves.

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