Rain, Hurricane Zeta Remnants Could Wash Out NYC Early Voting

NEW YORK CITY — Better pack an umbrella and pull on some rain boots if you plan to go outside and vote early Thursday.

Remnants of Hurricane Zeta will blow through New York City and bring a full day of wet conditions, the National Weather Service predicts.

“Rain and breezy conditions are expected for today and cool with temperatures in the upper 40s to the lower 50s,” stated a weather service alert. “For tonight the rain will taper off momentarily, with another round of rain late tonight into Friday morning in association with a secondary low pressure system.”

The rain coincides with the sixth day of early voting in New York City — a civic duty that 594,751 city dwellers have done so far.

Many early voters, including the city’s own Mayor Bill de Blasio, have braved hours-long outdoor lines to cast their ballots.

The waits haven’t appeared to tamp down enthusiasm, although Wednesday’s 137,016 votes counted as the first time tallies dipped since early voting started, according to New York City Board of Elections data.

It remained to be seen Thursday morning if the rain scared off early voters.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo also warned New Yorkers across the state that conditions Thursday and into Friday could be hazardous. Upstate areas could receive snow while New York City and Long Island could see 2 inches of rain and, on Friday, 40 mph wind, the governor’s office warned.

"New Yorkers are well accustomed to intense October storms and this one has the potential to deliver a mixed medley of cold rain, wind and snow across much of the state," Cuomo said in a statement. "Our state emergency response assets are prepared to assist our local partners if needed. I am asking all travelers to review seasonal safety tips and slow down on our roadways during this storm."