
To learn more about flood zones in New York City, visit For more information about storm surge, visit the National Hurricane Center online. Storm surge and large battering waves can endanger lives, destroy buildings, erode beaches and dunes, and damage roads and bridges. A major hurricane could push more than 30 feet of storm surge (the height of a three-story building) into some parts of New York City, and storm surge can travel several miles inland. Storm surge is a dome of ocean water that is pushed ashore by the oncoming hurricane's winds.Unless otherwise notified, it is safe to drink tap water in an area with flooding however, floodwater from SBUs can pose serious health risks. Sewage is carried in different pipes than those for drinking or washing water. Surcharged sewers/sewer backups (also known as SBU) also can lead to flooding. Blocked catch basins, storm drains, water main breaks, and sewer lines can also lead to flooding.Riverine flooding occurs when freshwater rivers and streams overflow their banks.Tidal flooding occurs when the tide's range is at its highest level (also called a spring tide), but it can also occur with no storm.People should review safety precautions and prepare to evacuate if necessary. Many homes and businesses along the coast will receive major damage. Numerous roads will likely become flooded. Major flooding is a serious threat to both life and property.Moderate beach erosion will occur along with damage to some homes, businesses, and other facilities. Some roads may become impassable due to flooding. Moderate flooding is more substantial coastal flooding, threatening life and property.Minor coastal flooding is not expected to close roads or do cause any major structural damage to homes and other buildings. Minor flooding is nuisance coastal flooding of locations adjacent to the shore.Coastal flooding levels - categorized as minor, moderate, or major - are calculated based on the amount water rises above the normal tide in a particular area. The water pushed ashore is called storm surge. Coastal flooding occurs when intense, offshore low-pressure systems drive ocean water inland.Flash flooding is caused by thunderstorms and other intense rainstorms, and is the number one cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms, claiming more than 140 lives each year in the United States.Coastal Flood Warning: issued by the National Weather service when coastal flooding is occurring, imminent, or expected within 12 hours.Coastal Flood Watch: issued by the National Weather Service when coastal flooding is possible within 12 to 36 hours.Flash Flood Warning: issued to inform the public, emergency management, and other cooperating agencies that flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely.

Flash Flood Watch: issued to indicate current or developing hydrologic conditions that are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area, but the occurrence is neither certain or imminent.
