Gov. Cuomo Urges New Yorkers To Prepare For Serious Coastal Storm

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo urged New Yorkers Sunday to prepare for a coastal storm which will impact most of the state, especially New York City and Long Island.

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The approaching nor'easter is expected to bring strong gusts of wind with heavy rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Areas north and west of New York City might see three to six inches of snow, while those in the city see mostly rain -- anywhere from one to three inches.

"As this storm could cause power outages across downstate and flooding for communities near the coastline, I am directing all relevant state agencies to be on alert and ready to respond to whatever Mother Nature throws our way," the governor said. "We will be closely monitoring storm conditions and deploying resources and equipment as necessary. I encourage all New Yorkers in these areas to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel, and above all else -- stay safe."

"New York City is expecting strong, gusty winds and two to three inches of rain Monday, with possible minor to moderate coastal flooding in vulnerable areas along the coast," NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito echoed. "We're urging New Yorkers to use extra caution when outdoors Monday and allow for extra travel time during tomorrow's commutes. Coastal residents in vulnerable neighborhoods should take steps to protect their property ahead of this storm."

As CBS2's John Marshall reported, the Tri-State area can expect increasing winds by Monday morning. A high wind warning will be in effect from 1 a.m. Monday through 1 a.m. Tuesday in New York City.

The Department of Buildings reminded "builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment."

Con Edison is also preparing to respond to any service problems that arise.

"The combination of the rain and gusting winds could knock trees into power lines, causing customers to lose power and creating a safety hazard," the company said in a statement. 

In addition to the high wind warning, a flood watch will be in effect from 1 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday in New York City.

The city's assistant commissioner for planning and preparedness, Megan Pribram, told WCBS 880's John Metaxas the worst of it should arrive in time for the evening commute.

"We recommend that people, especially for the afternoon and evening rush, allow for extra travel time, and that if they do start to see any flooding, that they turn around and that they go away from wherever they're seeing flooding," she said.

A coastal advisory has been issued from 3 p.m to 8 p.m. Monday along the southern shores of Queens and areas near the coastline in Brooklyn and Manhattan, another was issued from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday along the northern shores of Queens and areas near the coastline in the Bronx. Finally, a coastal flood warning has been issued for 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday for areas near the coastline in Staten Island.

One to three inches of rain are expected to fall throughout much of the area, posing a risk to weak-rooted trees when combined with the high winds.

The brunt of the storm will be through the midday through evening hours Monday.

Stick with CBSNewYork for more on this developing weather story.

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