Tropical Storm Elsa NYC Update: Track Its Progress, Flooding

NEW YORK CITY — Tropical Storm Elsa is just outside New York City as the city braces for more flooding.

The storm's center was south of Long Island and east of New Jersey as of Friday at 8 a.m., according to the National Hurricane Center.

New York City still looked to be spared Elsa's full brunt, but side effects from the storm could continue into Friday afternoon, forecasters warned. A flash flood watch remains in effect until 12 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

"Heavy rainfall associated with tropical system Elsa will move into portions of the Tri-State area this morning, with periods of heavy rainfall possible through midday," the watch states.

A thunderstorm Thursday after left city's transportation arteries inundated with water Thursday afternoon, even before Elsa arrived.

Sections of the Henry Hudson Parkway and Major Deegan Expressway in The Bronx were shut down, with some motorists stuck in cars.

Videos and photos showed flooded vehicles and NYPD officers rescuing stranded motorists.

Subways flooded too.

Torrents of water rushed down stairs and from ceilings. Videos showed desperate straphangers braving chest-deep water.

The city appeared to avoid similar flooding as of Friday morning, but showers and thunderstorms remained in the forecast.

Here's the complete National Weather Service forecast.

Friday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 85. North wind 7 to 14 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday
A 20 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 5 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 6 mph becoming north after midnight.

Sunday
A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday
A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 50%.