Alert archive / New York / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 44, NWS New York, NY

August 20, 20265 counties in New York; 5 counties in New Jersey

NWS New York, NY issued this flash flood warning at Aug 20, 2026, 5:39 PM EDT for 5 counties in New York; 5 counties in New Jersey. It was in force for 2 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 20, 2026, 5:39 PM EDT (21:39 UTC)
Expired
Aug 20, 2026, 7:45 PM EDT
In force
2 hr
Issued by
NWS New York, NY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Bergen County, NJ, Essex County, NJ, Hudson County, NJ, Passaic County, NJ, Union County, NJ, Bronx County, NY, Kings County, NY, New York County, NY, Queens County, NY, Richmond County, NY

The radar

The Philadelphia radar (KDIX), 95 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:43 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Brookhaven, NY (KOKX), launched 12:00Z, 9.7 hours before the alert went out and 103 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Brookhaven, NY at 12:00Z on 2026-08-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Brookhaven, NY at 12:00Z on 2026-08-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -27 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1229 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-27 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
21 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS New York, NY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 20, 4:41 PM EDT, 58 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1) Showers and a few thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall and increasing potential for flash flooding late this afternoon into a portion of tonight. 2) Unsettled conditions may continue across eastern half of the area on Friday. 3) Additional showers are expected Saturday into Sunday, but impacts appear limited at this time. 4) Dry and seasonably warm early next week.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 20, 4:41 PM EDT, 58 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service New York NY
441 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
The Flood Watch has been expanded to include Rockland, N
Westchester, and Fairfield.

WPC upgraded portions of NE NJ and the NYC metro to a moderate
risk (Level 3/4) for excessive rainfall and expanded the slight
risk (Level 2/4) a bit further NE.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Showers and a few thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall and
increasing potential for flash flooding late this afternoon into
a portion of tonight.

2) Unsettled conditions may continue across eastern half of the
area on Friday.

3) Additional showers are expected Saturday into Sunday, but
impacts appear limited at this time.

4) Dry and seasonably warm early next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
.KEY MESSAGE 1...
Confidence is increasing that flash flooding will occur across
portions of the area late this afternoon into the evening.

Guidance has remained fairly steady in signaling a period of
heavy showers and embedded thunderstorms late this afternoon
into the evening.

A nearly stationary frontal boundary will be draped across the
area as an MCV currently across western PA approaches. The MCV
will interact with this boundary, afternoon sea breezes, and a
high PWAT airmass to develop heavy showers and embedded
thunderstorms from late this afternoon into the evening. There
will also be an amplifying upper jet streak across northern New
England. The upper jet quite strong for this time of year and
the region will lie in the favorable right entrance region,
which will supply large scale lift to the MCV. Despite
instability being maximized to our south and west, conditions
are favorable for convection and resulting flash flooding. These
ingredients will interact with PWATs of 2+ inches, and deep
warm cloud layer approaching 15kft supporting scattered to
numerous occurrences of flash flooding.

Peak hourly rainfall rates could reach 2-2.5 inches per hour in
the heaviest downpours. There is still a signal in the latest
HREF for potential of 3 inches in 3 hours, which has been
typically an indicator of flash flooding in the past. Average
QPF looks to have increased a bit further inland, but still
around 1.5 to 2.5 inches expected with locally higher amounts of
3 to 5 inches possible.

The most favorable region for numerous instances of flash
flooding appears to be the urban corridor of NE NJ and NYC
metro. This is where WPC has placed a moderate risk for
excessive rainfall (Level 3/4). A slight risk exists most
elsewhere (Level 2/4) However, flash flooding may occur into the
Lower Hudson Valley, especially in more prone areas of Rockland
and Westchester counties. There is also concern into southwest
CT this evening. For these reasons, have expanded the flood
watch to include Rockland, Westchester, and Fairfield.

The watch continues until 2am Friday morning. Some of the NE NJ
and NYC areas could be removed from the watch a bit sooner as
the axis of showers shifts to the east. There is some concern
for lingering showers through the night across Long Island and
southern CT as a surface wave may meander nearby. Heavy rainfall
should diminish in coverage, but some isolated downpours cannot
be ruled out on eastern Long Island and SE CT early Friday. Did
not expand the watch further east as rainfall rates should come
down from what is expected this evening.

The greatest severe thunderstorm threat remains to our south and
west. Still cannot completely rule out an isolated damaging wind
gust and isolated tornado across NE NJ and NYC metro area as
there is fairly strong low level shear. The location of the
surface boundary and sea breeze interactions will have to be
monitored.

.KEY MESSAGE 2...
Guidance is struggling with the handling of a weak surface low
on Friday. There are two solutions with one being
progressive/weaker, which would lead to mostly dry conditions on
Friday areawide. The other solution is for the wave to linger
near or just south of central/eastern Long Island. This solution
would support low clouds, patchy fog, and potential light
showers at times on Friday. Given the higher than normal
uncertainty in just a days time, have continued with the NBM
model consensus, which results in a chance of showers across the
eastern half of the area along with mostly cloudy conditions
through the day.

.KEY MESSAGE 3...
Guidance is coming into somewhat better agreement for the
upcoming weekend. Another amplifying mid-upper trough approaches
Saturday and will deepen through Sunday. The approaching trough
along with a warm front lifting towards the area supports
potential shower development on Saturday. Guidance has trended
slightly slower with the timing and the highest probabilities
may end up closer to the coast, which is near the potential
location of the surface boundary. The trailing cold front
follows at some point on Sunday with additional chances for
showers, possibly a thunderstorm. At this time, impacts appear
limited, but WPC has maintained a marginal risk (level 1/4) for
excessive rainfall on Saturday. CIPS and CSU MLP continue to
hint at a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms Sunday, but it
is still too far out for any specifics.

.KEY MESSAGE 4...
Upper troughing will linger over the northeast early next week,
but the trailing cold front from the weekend system should be
pushing offshore. The current expectation is for improving
conditions with dry weather and seasonably warm temperatures
early next week.

&&

.AVIATION /21Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
A cold front approaches the terminals later today, with an
associated wave of low pressure forming along it. The front and
low pressure will move east of the region late tonight.

VFR conditions until mid to late this afternoon. Showers and
thunderstorms are moving in from the south and west and bring
periods of MVFR to IFR conditions along with the potential for
heavy rainfall. MVFR conditions are likely through tonight,
with an improvement back to VFR Friday morning.

Winds during the TAF period will be less than 10 kts but direction
will be quite variable. Low confidence with the wind direction
forecast. Towards end of TAF period, a general more northeast
to north flow is forecast.

     NY Metro (KEWR/KLGA/KJFK/KTEB) TAF Uncertainty...

Amendments possible to refine timing of showers/thunderstorms, which
could be 1-2 hours off from TAF.

Amendments possible for the timing of IFR and MVFR, which could be a
few hours off from TAF.

.OUTLOOK FOR 18Z FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY...

Friday: Mainly VFR. A few showers and MVFR possible during the day.
Higher chances of showers and MVFR late at night.

Saturday: Showers likely. Possible thunderstorms. MVFR to IFR
at times.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Possible thunderstorms. Chance of MVFR
or lower at times.

Monday and Tuesday: VFR.

Detailed information, including hourly TAF wind component forecasts,
can be found at: https:/www.weather.gov/zny/n90

&&

.MARINE...
Conditions should largely remain below SCA levels through early next
week. There could be isolated gusts up to 25 kt this evening as a
wave of low pressure develops, mainly on the ocean. Otherwise,
gusts should remain 20 kt or less through the weekend. A weak
pressure gradient should prevail early next week.

Rip Currents: The rip current risk remains low through this evening.
The rip current risk increases to moderate on Friday and will remain
moderate on Saturday. While winds will be NE-E, a wave of low
pressure may bring a swell component with 3 ft seas.

&&

.OKX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for CTZ005-009.
NY...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for NYZ069>075-078-080-
     176>179.
NJ...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for NJZ002-004-006-103>108.
MARINE...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...DS
AVIATION...BC
MARINE...DS
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 20, 1:27 PM EDT, 4 hours 12 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service New York NY
127 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

CTZ005-009-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ069>075-078-080-176>179-211730-
Northern Fairfield-Southern Fairfield-Western Passaic-
Eastern Passaic-Hudson-Western Bergen-Eastern Bergen-Western Essex-
Eastern Essex-Western Union-Eastern Union-Rockland-
Northern Westchester-Southern Westchester-New York (Manhattan)-Bronx-
Richmond (Staten Island)-Kings (Brooklyn)-Northwest Suffolk-
Southwest Suffolk-Northern Queens-Northern Nassau-Southern Queens-
Southern Nassau-
127 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Connecticut,
northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time that would meet NWS
warning criteria.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed.

&&

This Hazardous Weather Outlook provides a summary of potential
widespread hazardous weather events that may reach NWS warning
criteria. Most long fused NWS watches, warnings, and advisories in
effect are highlighted.

Please refer to the latest NWS forecasts for weather not meeting NWS
warning criteria.

CTZ010-011-NYZ079-081-211730-
Southern New Haven-Southern Middlesex-Northeast Suffolk-
Southeast Suffolk-
127 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Connecticut and
southeast New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to move through the
area this evening. A period of heavy rainfall is possible. At this
time flash flooding is not expected, but can not be completely ruled
out.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time that would meet NWS
warning criteria.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed.

&&

This Hazardous Weather Outlook provides a summary of potential
widespread hazardous weather events that may reach NWS warning
criteria. Most long fused NWS watches, warnings, and advisories in
effect are highlighted.

Please refer to the latest NWS forecasts for weather not meeting NWS
warning criteria.

CTZ006>008-012-NYZ067-068-211730-
Northern New Haven-Northern Middlesex-Northern New London-
Southern New London-Orange-Putnam-
127 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Connecticut and
southeast New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time that would meet NWS
warning criteria.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

&&

This Hazardous Weather Outlook provides a summary of potential
widespread hazardous weather events that may reach NWS warning
criteria. Most long fused NWS watches, warnings, and advisories in
effect are highlighted.

Please refer to the latest NWS forecasts for weather not meeting NWS
warning criteria.

ANZ331-332-335-338-340-345-350-353-355-380-383-385-211730-
Long Island Sound East of New Haven CT/Port Jefferson NY to the
Mouth of the Connecticut River-
Long Island Sound East of the Mouth of the Connecticut River-
Long Island Sound West of New Haven CT/Port Jefferson NY-
New York Harbor-Peconic and Gardiners Bays-
South Shore Bays from Jones Inlet through Shinnecock Bay-
Moriches Inlet NY to Montauk Point NY out 20 NM-
Fire Island Inlet NY to Moriches Inlet NY out 20 NM-
Sandy Hook NJ to Fire Island Inlet NY out 20 NM-
Waters from Moriches Inlet NY to Montauk Point NY from 20 to 60 nm-
Waters from Fire Island Inlet NY to Moriches Inlet NY from 20 to
60 nm-
Waters from Sandy Hook NJ to Fire Island Inlet NY from 20 to 60 nm-
127 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time that would meet NWS
warning criteria.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

&&

This Hazardous Weather Outlook provides a summary of potential
widespread hazardous weather events that may reach NWS warning
criteria. Most long fused NWS watches, warnings, and advisories in
effect are highlighted.

Please refer to the latest NWS forecasts for weather not meeting NWS
warning criteria.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 20, 4:53 PM EDT, 46 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service New York NY
453 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ069-074-202145-
Hudson NJ-Eastern Union NJ-Eastern Essex NJ-Western Bergen NJ-
Western Passaic NJ-Western Union NJ-Western Essex NJ-
Eastern Bergen NJ-Eastern Passaic NJ-Rockland NY-
Richmond (Staten Is.) NY-
453 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT HUDSON...PASSAIC...UNION...
BERGEN...ESSEX...RICHMOND AND ROCKLAND COUNTIES THROUGH 545 PM EDT...

At 452 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near West Milford to Belle
Mead. Movement was east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Passaic, Bayonne, Wayne,
Hoboken, Plainfield, Bloomfield, Hackensack, Linden, New City,
Orange, and Bergenfield.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 4060 7422 4060 7446 4066 7440 4067 7446
      4076 7436 4090 7434 4091 7427 4100 7430
      4102 7443 4104 7445 4105 7445 4104 7450
      4117 7440 4114 7423 4119 7417 4121 7393
      4100 7389 4068 7406 4056 7407 4050 7426
TIME...MOT...LOC 2052Z 253DEG 36KT 4113 7437 4046 7467

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

BR

The office that day

Everything else NWS New York, NY issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 20, 2:38 AM EDTFlood WatchOKXBronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond and 3 more19 hr
Aug 20, 4:53 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementOKXRichmond, Rockland52 min
Aug 20, 5:30 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryOKXBronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond and 1 more2 hr
Aug 20, 5:55 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningOKX65 min
Aug 20, 6:13 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningOKXBronx, Kings, Nassau, Queens2 hr
Aug 20, 6:27 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningOKX63 min
Aug 20, 6:44 PM EDTTornado WarningOKXNassau, Queens8 min
Aug 20, 6:49 PM EDTTornado WarningOKXNassau8 min
Aug 20, 6:56 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryOKXSuffolk4 hr
Aug 20, 7:47 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningOKX58 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in New York, 2026Flash Flood Warnings in New Jersey, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.