Mar 8, 2008 3:10 pm US/Eastern
Storm Watch: Heavy Rains Soak Tri-State
Flood Watches, Wind Advisories In Effect
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
A strong low pressure system moving in from the south and Ohio Valley could dump as much as three inches of rain across the tri-state before all is said and done Saturday evening. We might get some short breaks in the rain, but it will be heavy at times as well.
The rain will end Saturday night around midnight. After the front passes the tri-state, winds will become our concern, gusting up to 57 mph. There are wind advisories in effect for Saturday night until Sunday morning.
Temperatures will be above normal Saturday in the lower 50s, but after the front passes a cold sector will follow, bringing temperatures in the lower to mid 40s, which is about normal for this time of the year.
Along with the rain, there are flood warnings and watches in effect until further notice by the National Weather Service. We may see localized flooding, river and streams higher than usual, and some drainage problems.
"Getting around the next few days along the eastern seaboard is gonna be rough," says CBS 2 HD Meteorologist John Elliott. "There's an awful lot of cold air on the flip side of this storm, that's why we have snow all the way down into Texas and Oklahoma."
The wet weather began Friday afternoon as a light rain, but picked up in intensity as the evening progressed, becoming heavy at times through the night. Forecasters said there were some gaps in the storm and the rain would be off-and-on at times, perhaps taking a break for several hours after midnight, before a second batch of heavy rains and even thunderstorms returned again Saturday afternoon.
"What's interesting is kind of the 1-2 punch nature of the storm," said Elliott. "We get a break for parts of your Saturday, but the problem with that is cool temperatures, the moisture sticks around and we're gonna see lots of fog."
As Elliott said, the second batch picked up again around noon Saturday and continued through the day, leaving as much as 2 to 3 inches of rain in the city. Parts of Long Island and Connecticut could see the heaviest portion of this batch. The heavy rains could also cause localized flooding in rivers, streams, and drainage systems.
The Buildings Department issued a warning all builders, contractors, developers and property owners to secure their construction sites and buildings.
Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk.
Forecast:
Today: Periods of rain, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog. High near 52.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 43.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 43.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.
Wednesday: A chance of snow or rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 49.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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