FLOOD WATCH: NYC & NJ Brace for Torrential Downpour
Severe Weather Alert: Thunderstorms, Flooding & Tornado Warnings Hit NYC Area
Last Updated: Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 11:12 PM GMT
Source: WABC (ABC7 New York)
What’s Happening Right Now?
Imagine the sky opening up like a giant water balloon—that’s what the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) is experiencing Thursday evening. Strong thunderstorms are rolling through, bringing:
- Heavy downpours that can cause flash flooding
- Gusty winds strong enough to knock down branches
- A chance of isolated tornadoes (spinning columns of air that can damage buildings)
- Dangerous evening commute conditions
Active Weather Alerts (As of Thursday Evening)
| Alert Type | Areas Affected | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood Warning | New York City, parts of New Jersey, Long Island (Nassau County) | ACTIVE – Extended until 8:15 PM |
| Flood Watch | Much of the Tri-State area including NYC | IN EFFECT – Conditions could lead to flooding |
| Severe Thunderstorm Watch | Parts of New Jersey | IN EFFECT – Through the evening |
| Tornado Warning | Queens & Nassau County (earlier) | EXPIRED |
| Tornado Warning | Nassau County (earlier) | EXPIRED |
IMPORTANT: A Warning means danger is happening now or imminently. A Watch means conditions are favorable for danger—stay alert!
Timeline of Events
- Early Evening – Tornado Warning issued for Nassau County (Long Island) → Expired shortly after
- Shortly After – Tornado Warning issued for Queens and Nassau County → Expired
- Ongoing – Flash Flood Warning issued for NYC, NJ, Long Island → Extended to 8:15 PM
- Evening Commute – Storms intensify during rush hour → Slow, hazardous travel
- Caught on Camera – Water pours onto Penn Station subway platform (see video below)
Video: Penn Station Flooding
A subway platform soaked by rainwater is starting to become an all too familiar sight in NYC, this time at Penn Station.
Watch the video on ABC7NY – Shows water cascading onto the platform during heavy rain.
How to Stay Safe Right Now
If You’re Commuting
- Allow extra time – Roads and transit will be slow
- Never drive through flooded roads – Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down; 1 foot can float a car
- Check transit alerts – Subways and rails may have delays or suspensions
If You’re at Home
- Stay indoors – Avoid windows during high winds
- Move to higher ground if you’re in a flood-prone area (basement apartments, low-lying streets)
- Charge your phone – In case power goes out
If You’re Outside
- Seek shelter immediately if you hear thunder – Lightning can strike 10+ miles from rain
- Avoid parks, trees, and open fields
- Get to a sturdy building or hard-top vehicle
Useful Links Right Now
| Need | Link |
|---|---|
| Latest National Weather Service Alerts | Check here |
| Live Radar (AccuTrack) | View radar |
| Submit Weather Photos/Videos | Share yours (Terms apply) |
Summary
- Severe thunderstorms are hitting the NYC Tri-State area Thursday evening
- Flash Flood Warning active for NYC, NJ, and Nassau County until 8:15 PM
- Tornado Warnings were issued for Queens and Nassau County but have expired
- Evening commute is hazardous – expect delays, flooding, and poor visibility
- Penn Station platform flooding captured on video
- Stay indoors, avoid travel if possible, and monitor alerts
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What’s the difference between a Watch and a Warning?
Watch = "Be ready." Conditions could produce dangerous weather.
Warning = "Take action now." Dangerous weather is happening or about to happen.
Is it safe to drive through a little water on the road?
NO. Never drive through flooded roads. You can’t see how deep it is or if the road is washed away. Turn around, don’t drown.
What should I do if a Tornado Warning is issued for my neighborhood?
Go to the lowest level of a sturdy building. Interior room, no windows (bathroom, closet, hallway). Cover your head. Stay until the warning expires.
Why does Penn Station flood so often?
It’s a below-ground transit hub with aging drainage. Heavy rain overwhelms the pumps. The MTA is working on long-term fixes, but flash floods still happen.
How can I get alerts on my phone?
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts in phone settings
- Download the ABC7NY app or NWS app
- Follow @NWSNewYorkNY and @ABC7NY on social media
Final Thought
Weather can change fast. What starts as "just rain" can become a flash flood in minutes. Stay informed, stay inside if you can, and look out for each other.
— Your ABC7 Weather Team
This article is based on live coverage from WABC (ABC7 New York) on August 20, 2026. For real-time updates, visit abc7ny.com/weather.