New York under flash flood alert as heavy rain threatens widespread flooding

New York City is under a flash flood alert as heavy rain continues to impact the region, with forecasters warning that intense downpours could trigger dangerous flooding through Monday night.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), rainfall rates could reach nearly two inches per hour, raising the risk of flooding on highways, streets, underpasses and other low-lying areas with poor drainage.

Authorities warned that additional thunderstorms could develop later in the day, potentially disrupting the evening commute. Meteorologists said parts of the city had already received about one inch of rain by early Monday morning, with more showers and storms expected between the afternoon and early evening.

Emergency officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, move out of basement apartments if flooding becomes a threat and use extreme caution while driving, noting that floodwaters can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.

The latest weather system comes just days after another round of heavy rainfall affected the New York metropolitan area, as a moisture-rich atmosphere continues to fuel repeated storms across the region.