Nor’easter brings flooding risk near Jamaica Bay and 50 mph gusts to NYC

Strong winds, high tides and a chance of rain will close out New York City’s first week of fall as a nor’easter moves past the region, according to city emergency officials and the National Weather Service.

The core of the system is expected to stay at sea, so forecasters say the five boroughs should feel weaker effects.

Coastal flooding risk around Jamaica Bay

The city’s Office of Emergency Management said its biggest concern is minor coastal flooding at high tide, possibly starting Wednesday evening and lasting through Saturday, mostly around Jamaica Bay. Flooding from rain is not expected for now. The office also said the risk of rip currents will stay high through Saturday.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph on Friday

Winds will build over the week. Gusts of 20 to 25 mph are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday brings the peak: with the storm at its closest, gusts could hit 45 to 50 mph. Officials asked New Yorkers, especially those with rooftops, patios or balconies, to secure anything loose that could blow away.

Rain becomes more likely Saturday night and Sunday as the storm moves northeast of the region and possibly drifts back toward it, said Jim Connolly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Connolly said the storm type takes its name from the powerful gusts out of the northeast that lead the system in and whip up gales at sea.

Highs will stay in the 60s for the next several days, with overnight lows in the 50s, which is cool for this time of year, Connolly said. Temperatures should return to the 70s on Monday once the storm clears.

For forecast updates and alerts, New Yorkers can text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.