'Secure any loose outdoor holiday decorations': New Yorkers warned to brace for storm surge with strong winds and possible floods

STTATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK: In a recent weather update, New York state is expected to experience adverse conditions with powerful wind gusts, heavy rainfall, snow, and the possibility of thunder late Sunday, December 10, into Monday, December 11.

The official X account of the National Weather Service of New York reported these hazardous conditions.

Silive.com reported that the anticipated storm intensity led Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a statement on Friday, December 8, advising residents throughout the state to get ready for the impending severe weather system.

Hochul has urged New Yorkers to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

State agencies directed to monitor weather system

According to Silive.com, portions of upstate New York are expected to face lake effect snow on Monday, while New York City and much of the state will bear the brunt of the system on late Sunday.

Residents should anticipate substantial rainfall, ranging from 1 to 3 inches for most areas across the state, with isolated elevated regions possibly experiencing up to five inches. The projected precipitation, coupled with persistent winds, raises the risk of flooding.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Larson, as cited by Silive.com, explained, “The rain of this magnitude would be enough to cause, at the very least, poor drainage flooding, street and highway flooding, ponding on roadways; not necessarily enough for widespread or serious river flooding or anything on those lines. But certainly, the traditional roads, the streets and areas, intersections that are prone to flooding are undoubtedly going to have flood issues with this."

"And along the immediate coast there could be coastal flooding around the times of high tide with that persistent, strong south wind, so any south-facing shoreline would be vulnerable to that," he added.

Silive.com also reported that the Governor cautioned that the rain might transition to heavy, wet snow in upstate regions during the storm, particularly in North Country, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, and mid-Hudson regions, where more substantial snowfall is expected.

This combination of snow and strong winds poses a risk of hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages in certain areas. While upstate New York contends with wintry conditions, the most severe wind gusts are anticipated downstate in New York City and its vicinity.

AccuWeather is forecasting wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph on Long Island.

Governor Hochul, as reported by Silive.com, stated, “This weekend we are watching a major weather system bringing rain, snow and gusty winds that could cause some dangerous issues for New Yorkers, including flooding, dangerous travel, and power outages. I have directed state agencies to monitor this weather system throughout its duration and be ready to respond to any requests for assistance. I urge all New Yorkers to prepare now and plan for the next couple of days as the forecast comes into clearer view.”

While not guaranteed, some parts of New York may experience lightning and thunder. Although rare in December, thunderstorms can occur within this upcoming system.

New Yorkers advised to remain cautious

As per Silive.com, for a thunderstorm to form, there must be a strong lift in the atmosphere and in warm weather months, this lift is supplied by warm air.

However, in this scenario where the Sunday high is expected to reach only 60 degrees in the city, the lift is provided by the "sheer intensity of the low-pressure area" (the storm itself), according to Larson. This combination of mild temperatures and lift could result in lightning on Sunday.

The amalgamation of meteorological conditions is likely to leave a mess in its wake. Larson suggests that the storm is expected to end in New York City by Monday morning. The Governor, however, has advised New Yorkers to exercise caution during the Monday morning commute in impacted areas.

AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno, according to Silive.com, stated, “The Monday morning commute in the Northeast will be adversely impacted even as the storm begins to pull away."

New York City is poised to experience a return to typical December weather, with temperatures dropping to near-normal levels.

As Monday evening approaches, the chill will be further intensified by winds. The AccuWeather forecast projects Monday's high in the city to be around 49, with the low reaching a cool 35.

The Governor's release notes that on Monday, lake effect snow is expected to affect areas downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, spanning Central New York, the western and southern Adirondacks, and the Catskills.

The release states, “Off Lake Erie, peak snowfall rates of up to two inches of snow an hour with up to a foot of snow is expected for areas south of Buffalo. For areas near Lake Ontario, peak snowfalls rates of up to three inches per hour are expected, possibly impacting Syracuse around the Monday evening commute.”