Millions are being warned to brace for dangerous travel conditions today as severe storms threaten to unleash flash flooding during the World Cup.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Flood Watches across parts of New York and New Jersey. The alert covers all five boroughs of New York City, along with parts of Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union and Hudson counties in New Jersey.
Forecasters said that torrential downpours could quickly overwhelm roads, rail lines and other major travel routes as thousands of fans head to MetLife Stadium for today’s World Cup clash between Senegal and Norway.
Rain is expected to move in after 10am ET before becoming heavier through the afternoon. Forecasters said the threat of thunderstorms will increase between 1pm and 6pm, followed by a brief break during the evening.
Another round of storms is then expected to arrive late Monday night and continue into the early hours of Tuesday.
The timing could create major headaches for soccer fans traveling to the stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3pm as conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the afternoon and evening.
Strong thunderstorms may also produce wind gusts of 40 to 50mph, creating the potential for downed tree limbs, scattered power outages and additional travel disruptions.
Under FIFA weather guidelines, play cannot resume until 30 minutes have passed without a lightning strike within the designated danger zone. There is no hard limit on how long a match can be delayed if lightning remains in the area.
Forecasters said that torrential downpours could quickly overwhelm roads, rail lines and other major travel routes as thousands of fans head to MetLife Stadium for today’s World Cup clash between Senegal and Norway
The Flood Watch is in effect from 2pm ET Monday through late tonight, with forecasters warning that showers and thunderstorms could dump rain at rates of up to two inches per hour, enough to trigger flash flooding in urban areas and on heavily traveled roadways.
The New York City Mayor’s Office urged residents and visitors to take the threat seriously.
‘New Yorkers should take this weather seriously and make plans now to stay safe during potentially dangerous conditions,’ officials said in a statement.
‘Exercise caution while traveling, take public transit whenever possible and never walk, bike or drive through floodwaters.’
Emergency officials are urging residents and visitors to avoid driving through flooded roads, warning that even a small amount of moving water can disable vehicles or sweep them away.
The warning comes as millions of people are expected to be on the move throughout the region, including commuters, tourists and soccer fans traveling to World Cup-related events.
Transportation experts often note that flash flooding can create outsized disruptions because it frequently develops during peak travel periods and can force sudden road closures.
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said in a statement: ‘Monday’s forecast will bring rain and the potential for thunderstorms with gusty winds, impacting commuting times and outdoor activities.
Rain is expected to move in after 10am ET before becoming heavier through the afternoon. Forecasters said the threat of thunderstorms will increase between 1pm and 6pm, followed by a brief break during the evening. Pictured is the weather radar at 2pm
‘We are coordinating with the FIFA Host Committee and New Jersey for any impacts to the fan fests in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as travel to and conditions during the game.
‘We encourage everyone to add extra time to their commute, avoid flooded roadways and basements, clear catch basins whenever possible and stay informed with the latest weather updates by signing up for Notify NYC.’
Officials have spent recent days preparing for the incoming storm system by clearing storm drains, inspecting flood-prone locations and positioning emergency crews to respond to flooding incidents.
Specialized response teams are also on standby to deal with stranded vehicles, fallen trees and other storm-related emergencies.
According to the NWS, excessive runoff may also cause smaller streams, creeks and other flood-prone areas to rise rapidly during periods of intense rainfall.
While forecasters are not predicting widespread river flooding, they say flash flooding remains a significant concern because of the expected rainfall intensity.
The heaviest rain is expected to arrive during the afternoon and evening hours before continuing overnight.
Officials are urging travelers to closely monitor forecasts, allow extra travel time and have alternate plans in place in case conditions deteriorate.
