Flash Flood Warning

Quick ways to be ready in NYC

October 29, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Notify NYC Sent Warning

Maybe you got it already (and if you didn’t you should sign up for Notify NYC).

Looks like ~1.5 inches of rain could fall tomorrow.

That may not sound like a lot (especially compared to what is happening in Jamaica and Cuba right now)…but it can add up in heavily-cemented NYC with high winds, especially in low-lying areas or where sewers can only handle that much MAX. (“what 1 inch of rain can do”)

Q: Are you preparing for flooding now? Or have questions? Email us

Here are some ways to be ready that are not freak-out crazy and can make a difference in your place and your neighborhood.

Clear Drains

  • It’s fall 🍂 and leaves clog drains. So get the leaves and trash away…or just push it with your foot to a spot where water wont push it back in place.

  • After you do that near your place, you could help yourself and your neighbors by clearing the street catch basin near you, especially any uphill from you.

  • Its not fun but it’s easier than cleaning up after a flood!

  • More

Unplug and Lift Stuff on Lower Floor

  • Unplug electronics on the floor — move 'em up high, even on chairs.

  • Roll up and lift rugs as they get super heavy and $$ to clean.

  • Keep power cords off the floor — even small puddles can fry things or you.

  • More

Useful Things In Place

  • Door Barrier? If you don’t have you can buy locally or even make.

  • Sump pump? Test it (and ideally send water to absorbent area vs the street).

  • Wet vac? Get it ready and keep cord out of the water.

  • Valuables up? Papers, family photos, artwork get up or in plastic bin.

  • More

Renter or Basement Apartment Folks

  • Contact your landlord in writing (text or email) if you are concerned.

  • Remind them if you had flooding history or if there is a stormwater risk in your area (map).

  • Text you can use with legal reference:

[ Copy, paste, edit]

Hi [Landlord’s Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Address/Unit].

With the city under a flash flood watch and more heavy rain coming, I want to confirm you’ve taken steps to prevent flooding in the building (like clearing drains, checking sump pumps, and sealing basement areas).

Under NYC’s Warranty of Habitability and Local Law 31 (2022), landlords are required to maintain safe and weatherproof conditions and disclose any past flood issues. Please let me know what prevention measures are in place so I can stay safe and protect my belongings.

Thank you!

Get List and Take Some Pictures

  • Make list of items (and $ value) of what could be flooded (esp small businesses)

  • BEFORE and AFTER photos help document damage if that happens.

  • But you can also submit photos to 311 (see below).

Use 311 To Help City See What’s Up

  • What you see at catch basins / drains and submit pics here

  • What you see for street flooding in general here

  • If you have damage from flooding, city portal for homeowners, renters and small businesses here (note: not active until after flood event)

  • The DEP says they DO use 311 data to prioritize areas, so data input helps.

  • It may not feel like instant help, but it is help longer term. Or course, 911 if you need fast help.

Hope helpful. Water connects us! 😅 

And please share The City Sponge with neighbors. “What can I do” in flooding means lots of questions and sub-topics which we dive into in more depth than what is in this quick list above. You can see and search at www.thecitysponge.com

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