Tropical Storm Elsa: NYC Sets Travel Advisory, Urges Preparation

NEW YORK CITY — Tropical Storm Elsa likely won't directly hit New York City, but that doesn't mean the city is in the clear.

The city's emergency management officials issued a travel advisory for Friday as the storm blows past offshore.

Heavy rainfall, gusty winds and a flash flood watch from midnight to 12 p.m. could lead to hazardous travel conditions, officials said.

“New York City Emergency Management is in contact with the National Weather Service to prepare for the potential impacts from the heavy rain due to Tropical Storm Elsa,” John Scrivani, the city's emergency management commissioner, said. “The tropical storm has the potential to cause flooding, high winds, and damaged property as it moves over the City. New Yorkers must take time to prepare and take the appropriate precautions if they must move about the city during the storm.”

The stormy conditions will only be the latest facing New York City this week.

A severe thunderstorm watch for the city was issued Thursday afternoon — the third in as many days. The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. and centers around a storm over New York Harbor.

"This a strong thunderstorm [that] will likely produce winds to around 30 knots, and could pose a serious hazard for boaters," the watch states.

Effects from Tropical Storm Elsa likely will be felt Friday starting at 2 a.m., emergency management officials said. The heaviest rain is expected around then and will continue through mid-morning Friday, with about 2 to 3 inches expected.

"Gusty winds are also in the forecast with sustained winds 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph along the immediate coastline," an emergency management release stated Thursday. "A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon prior to Elsa’s arrival and again tomorrow afternoon after Elsa has passed."

New Yorkers are urged to prepare for potential flooding, power outages and wind.

They can get updates from the city by signing up for Notify NYC, calling 311, visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or following @NotifyNYC on Twitter.