A significant storm is expected to roll through New York City from Thursday night to Friday night, bringing potentially damaging winds, heavy rain and chances of coastal flooding.
The National Weather Service said the approaching cold front could deliver some thunderstorms and around an inch of rain before conditions dry out around midday Friday.
“Any unsecured holiday decor or anything you might have loose outside, you might want to secure that before tomorrow,” NWS meteorologist Dominic Ramunni said.
The city’s Emergency Management agency has issued coastal flood and wind advisories for each borough on Friday and is urging New Yorkers to look out for flying debris or objects while walking, driving or biking. Gusts could get up to 45 mph, according to the forecast.
The agency also issued a citywide travel advisory, telling residents to plan ahead and build in extra travel time on Friday.
“This is a busy holiday travel weekend for many New Yorkers, and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms could slow travel across the city, especially on Friday,” Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said in a statement. “Checking the forecast before heading out and being flexible with plans can help avoid unnecessary delays. We’re asking people to give themselves extra time, take it slow on the roads, and stay aware of changing conditions so they can get where they’re going safely.”
The city's Department of Buildings cautioned property owners and construction crews to secure their sites and equipment ahead of the unsettled weather. Officials said they will conduct random spot checks and take immediate enforcement action if necessary, including by issuing stop-work orders.
Wind gusts forecast for Dec. 19, 2025
Ramunni said temperatures between Thursday and Friday could reach record highs in the mid-50s across the city, but the warmth will likely be short-lived.
“As folks are sitting down for dinnertime [Friday] evening, it could probably be down into the 30s once again,” he said.
Conditions should calm this weekend, when there will be sunny skies and temperatures in the 40s, according to NWS.
For those looking ahead to next week, Ramunni said it’s still too early to tell whether the city will have a white Christmas this year.
This story has been updated with additional information.
