New York is warning of possible flash flooding and travel disruptions Monday, while Indiana deals with the aftermath of days of heavy rain and record flooding.

New York City began Monday under a weather alert after authorities warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms could cause flash flooding in parts of the city.

  • Why it matters: The warning comes as Indiana deals with the aftermath of flooding that left at least seven people dead, highlighting the danger heavy rainfall can pose when water levels rise rapidly.

New York Activates Emergency Plan Amid Flood Alert

The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan due to the risk expected between the night of Sunday, August 16, and the early morning hours of Monday, August 17.

The National Weather Service (NWS) placed the city under a marginal risk, level 1 of 4, for torrential rain and flash flooding.

  • By the numbers: Between 0.5 and 0.75 inches of rain were forecast across much of the area, although thunderstorms could produce rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour.

The main concerns under the New York flood alert are minor urban flooding, problems in areas with poor drainage, and isolated flash flooding, particularly near the coast.

Heavy Rain Could Disrupt Travel in New York on Monday

Authorities warned that rainfall could affect overnight travel and Monday morning traffic.

“We could experience changing weather conditions between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, including periods of heavy rain that could affect travel,” NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell said.

  • The recommendation: The city urged residents not to drive, walk, or bike through flooded streets and to exercise particular caution if they live in basements or low-lying areas.

Wind gusts of 10 to 20 mph were also expected, with some reaching up to 30 mph.

Indiana Shows the Danger of Severe Flooding

The New York flood alert coincides with a much more serious situation in Indiana, where at least seven people died following days of heavy rainfall and record flooding, according to NBC News.

The tragedy provides context for how quickly persistent rainfall can develop into an emergency. However, conditions in Indiana do not mean New York will experience a similar scenario.

  • The difference: In New York, authorities primarily identified a risk of minor urban flooding and isolated flash flooding.

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New York Urges Extra Caution in Basements and Flooded Streets

Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to prepare and monitor official alerts while city agencies track weather conditions.

“We have activated the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, and city agencies are prepared to address potential impacts,” he said.

  • What to do: People living in basements should be prepared to move to a higher floor or another safe location before water enters their homes.

The city also recommended keeping phones and medical equipment charged, securing outdoor objects, and monitoring Notify NYC. Rainfall was expected to ease Monday morning, although isolated showers and thunderstorms could return later.