Urgent Weather Alert: NYC & Long Island
Significant Rain & High Winds Expected in NYC and Long Island
The New York State Department of Health (DOH / the Department) has issued a Health Alert for providers in New York City and Long Island ahead of a nor’easter expected to bring significant rainfall, flooding, and damaging winds to the region beginning today, Friday, September 25, and continuing through Sunday, September 27.
Providers in the affected area should take the following actions:
- Update your 24/7 Emergency Contact in the Health Commerce System (HCS) as soon as possible today, September 25. Contact information should include a cell phone number in case of landline failure.
- Review your agency emergency operations plan and ensure backup systems are ready and functioning.
- Make arrangements for supplies and personnel needed to shelter in place, if necessary.
- Brief on-duty staff at the beginning of each shift throughout the weather event regarding emergency roles, responsibilities, and operational updates.
- Be prepared for power outages, flooding and transportation disruptions that could affect patients, staff, and service delivery.
What to Expect
The storm may produce rainfall rates exceeding ½ inch per hour, with sustained wind gusts of 25–35 mph and maximum gusts up to 55 mph. Excessive rainfall may cause flooding of roads and low-lying areas, with some locations potentially experiencing up to three feet of inundation above normal flood levels.
Reporting Service or Infrastructure Disruptions
Article 28, 7, 36 and 40 health care facilities and agencies should report any disruption of services or infrastructure to the NYS Department of Health State Medical Operations Coordination Center at (917) 909-2676 and complete required Facility-Reported Incident reports where applicable.
HCP encourages affected providers to review the full DOH Health Alert and monitor National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories throughout the weekend.
