NYC Opens 51 Safe Locations For Basement And Ground-Floor Residents

NEW YORK, NY—New York City will open 51 safe overnight locations Tuesday ahead of heavy rain and flash flooding expected to hit neighborhoods across the City through Wednesday morning.

The locations, housed in public schools across all five boroughs, will open at 8 p.m. and will remain available while dangerous conditions continue.

Residents can find the closest location by calling 311 or visiting the City’s Safe Locations website.

Service animals and pets are allowed.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for New York City from 2 p.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, forecasting 1.5 to 4 inches of rain across the city, with some areas potentially receiving up to 5 inches.

Rainfall could fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour during the heaviest storms, increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and areas with poor drainage.

The City is preparing for flooding that could quickly affect residents, especially those living in basement apartments, ground-floor homes and neighborhoods that have flooded before.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said crews have been working ahead of the storm by clearing catch basins, inspecting flood-prone streets and preparing emergency resources.

The City also urged residents to make evacuation plans before flooding begins.

What Should Basement Apartment Residents Do?

Residents who live in basement apartments or other flood-prone areas should decide now where they will go if water enters their homes.

Officials recommend identifying:

• A neighbor’s apartment on a higher floor
• A nearby public building
• The home of a friend or family member
• A City safe overnight location

Residents can also sign up for basement flood alerts through the City’s emergency notification system.

“Conditions can change quickly overnight, so now is the time to make a plan,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said. “If you live in a flood-prone area or are concerned about your safety, take advantage of one of the City's Safe Locations during severe weather.”

What Emergency Teams Are Ready?

The City has placed specialized response teams on standby, including:

• The Downed Tree Task Force for storm-related tree hazards
• The Tow Truck Task Force for vehicles affected by flooding or hazardous conditions

Crews have also been clearing catch basins and inspecting areas known to experience flooding.

Officials warned residents that flooding conditions can develop quickly, even in neighborhoods that do not typically see major impacts.

What Should New Yorkers Do Before The Storm?

The City recommends residents:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.
• Never walk or drive through floodwaters.
• Use public transportation when possible.
• Secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and other loose items before high winds arrive.
• Prepare a Go Bag with medications, a flashlight, batteries, a portable phone charger and important documents stored in waterproof bags.
• Report blocked catch basins, downed trees and other non-emergency hazards by calling 311.
• Call 911 if trapped by rising water or facing immediate danger.