Tropical Storm Debby is brewing and moving up north, causing New Yorkers to start their preparations for the storm. In some ways, they have already begun to feel the effects of the storm, seeing heavy rainfall starting Tuesday. The rain continued off and on through Wednesday, being felt in all five boroughs. However, experts are advising that even the heaviest bout of rain that occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday will not compare to what the expect Tropical Storm Debby to bring. Many anticipate the storm to hit the tri-state area quite hard starting today and continuing into the weekend. Warnings of flash floods and thunderstorms have been issued to many residents in the city and its surrounding areas.
The storms on Tuesday were quite heavy, yet still a preview of what is to come.
During the heavy rain of Tuesday, in which flash flood warnings were in effect since the streets were beginning to flood from the 4 inches of rain that the city saw, action had to take place all around. The city had to cancel flights due to the severity of the downpour. Cars were abandoned as drivers were stranded and rescued due to the floods. The Office of Emergency Management reported receiving 136 calls regarding abandoned vehicles. Additionally, they had 68 calls for sewage backups, 55 calls regarding basin complaints, and 16 calls due to street flooding. New Yorkers were utterly lost as the rain did start out of nowhere and continued on for far longer than expected. Trees even reportedly fell, with one unlucky resident losing their car to a tree falling on it. The New York Fire Department had continuous calls throughout the day but reported no injuries.
The storm first touched down in Florida on Monday as a Category 1 hurricane.
The early week rain felt in New York was just coming as the tropical storm brewed on the east coast. Now, it is officially en route to sweep just past New York, bringing even more rainfall if predictions hold up. Based on how their reaction was to the deluge of the storm that they felt earlier this week, some New Yorkers worry they are not prepared for the actual tropical storm Debby to hit the city. Residents are starting to stock up on food and water to have plenty through the storm. They are being advised to limit their outdoor activities for the remainder of the week and to stay indoors as much as possible to stay ahead of the risks Tropical Storm Debby is bringing to the city.