New York City to experience severe thunderstorms on Saturday — here’s what residents should know
Torrential rain floods roads and shuts down runways at Milwaukee’s airport during life-threatening flash flooding in southeast Wisconsin.
New York City is bracing for severe weather on Saturday as a strong cold front sweeps across the region, bringing the risk of damaging storms and hazardous travel conditions. Forecasters warn that the greatest threat window will stretch from noon to 8 p.m., with the most intense activity expected during a three-to-six-hour period in the afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service has cautioned residents that storms could arrive quickly and intensify with little warning. Gusty winds, bursts of heavy rain, frequent lightning, and even an isolated tornado remain possible.
Hazards at a Glance
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Damaging winds over 58 mph — the primary concern for the city
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Isolated tornado cannot be ruled out
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Hail up to one inch in diameter in localized areas
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One to two inches of rainfall, raising the risk of flooding in streets, subways, and low-lying areas
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Dangerous lightning and a high rip current risk at ocean beaches, with dangerous surf conditions lingering into Sunday
Even outside of storm cells, southerly winds are expected to gust between 15 and 25 mph before shifting northwest behind the front. Temperatures will fall sharply overnight, setting the stage for a cooler, breezy Sunday with lingering clouds and possible rain.
Safety Measures Urged
City officials advise residents to secure outdoor items, clear storm drains, and charge essential devices ahead of the weather shift. New Yorkers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads, and be mindful of where to shelter if a tornado or severe wind warning is issued.
For beachgoers, authorities stress that the rip current risk is significant, making swimming unsafe through the weekend.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s official emergency alert system, by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692 or visiting NYC.gov/notifynyc.
Officials emphasize that timely alerts are critical. “Stay alert to the forecast, make a plan, and be ready to act,” they said, urging New Yorkers to prioritize safety as the storms approach.
In a statement via X, New York City Emergency Management wrote:
Sorry to break the streak of good weather, but NYC faces a serious threat of severe thunderstorms on Saturday. A strong cold front will move through the area, bringing intense conditions between noon and 8 PM. Travel could be hazardous. If you don’t need to be out, don’t be.
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— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) September 5, 2025
Sorry to break the streak of good weather, but NYC faces a serious threat of severe thunderstorms on Saturday. A strong cold front will move through the area, bringing intense conditions between noon and 8 PM. Travel could be hazardous. If you don’t need to be out, don’t be. Timing: The heaviest thunderstorm activity is expected during a 3–6 hour period in the afternoon and evening. Storms will move in fast, bringing bursts of wind, lightning, and heavy rain. Conditions may change rapidly with little warning. Hazards in NYC: • Damaging wind gusts over 58 mph (this is the main and primary hazard) • Isolated tornado possible • Isolated hail up to 1 inch • 1 inch of rain (2 possible in some areas). Flooding possible in streets, subways, and low-lying areas • Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning • High rip current risk at all NYC ocean beaches. Dangerous surf and strong currents may persist into Sunday Even outside storms, gusty winds from the south will reach 15–25 mph. Winds shift northwest after the front moves through. Temperatures will drop sharply behind the front. Sunday will be cooler, breezy, and may stay cloudy or rainy. Protective Actions: Secure outdoor items today. Clear catch basins and storm drainage or report them to 311. Charge phones and batteries. Avoid unnecessary travel tomorrow. Do not walk or drive through flooded areas. Review where you would shelter during a tornado or severe wind warning. Cancel or move outdoor plans indoors. To help keep you safe, stay alert to the forecast and be ready to act. Make a plan, gather supplies, and stay informed to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Receive free and verified emergency alerts by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692 Reminder: All official weather alerts, warnings, and updates go through
first. This account is not monitored or operated 24/7. For real-time info during emergencies, sign up for alerts by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692 or visit NYC.gov/notifynyc.