BROOKLYN, NY— Heavy thunderstorms could develop across Brooklyn and Staten Island, prompting the National Weather Service in Upton to issue a flash flood warning.
The warning remains in effect until 4:15 p.m. after radar detected storms producing heavy rain across the warned areas.
Forecasters said rainfall rates could reach 1.5 to 2.5 inches in one hour, with additional rainfall possible as storms continue moving through the region.
Communities expected to experience flash flooding include Flatbush, Coney Island, Crown Heights, Canarsie, Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Sheepshead Bay, Bensonhurst, Tottenville, New Dorp, Annadale, Port Richmond and other surrounding neighborhoods.
The warning also includes areas near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Sullivans Homeport Pier.
Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, causing water to collect on roads, highways and low-lying areas.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the National Weather Service wrote, warning that many flood-related deaths occur when people attempt to drive through standing water.
Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor changing conditions and prepare for rapidly rising water.
People in basements should be ready to move to a higher floor if flooding begins.
Additional storms and heavy rainfall could continue to create flooding problems while the warning remains active.
Residents should follow updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency officials as conditions change.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Brooklyn, NY Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.