A nor’easter moving up the East Coast is expected to bring periods of heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding concerns to Yonkers and surrounding parts of Westchester County through the weekend.
In advance of the storm, the weekend McLean Avenue festival was postponed, as was the Tour de Yonkers, the annual bicycle ride.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Yonkers from Friday afternoon through early Sunday. Forecasts call for northeast winds of approximately 20 to 25 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 55 mph.
Rain is also expected to be a significant part of the storm. Current forecasts call for roughly 1 to 2 inches of rainfall in the Yonkers area through the weekend, although totals could vary depending on the storm’s track.
Coastal flooding is another concern, particularly in vulnerable waterfront and low-lying areas. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for portions of southern Westchester. Officials are warning that water levels could rise along the Hudson River and other vulnerable locations during high tide.
The combination of strong winds and saturated ground could result in downed tree limbs, scattered power outages and difficult driving conditions. Residents in waterfront areas could also experience localized flooding.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for Westchester County, New York City and Long Island ahead of the storm. The declaration comes amid forecasts for strong winds, coastal flooding and potential power outages.
The city released a social media post Friday afternoon with storm safety tips. The Yonkers Police Department maintains an alert system for extreme weather, traffic disruptions and road closures, while the city’s Department of Public Works is responsible for responding to weather-related impacts on roads and other city infrastructure.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is also preparing for the storm, with personnel monitoring conditions for potential weather-related disruptions. No specific Metro-North cancellation affecting Yonkers had been announced as of Friday afternoon.
For Yonkers, the storm’s primary anticipated impacts are heavy rainfall, strong winds and localized coastal flooding, rather than significant rain fall. Conditions are expected to remain unsettled through the weekend, with the strongest winds and heaviest rain potentially creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.
