Rye was never hammered by inclement weather, the way some initial forecasts predicted, but 3 inches of rain accumulated over the weekend, prompting another round of flooding and road closures around the city. The rainfall continued into the week, with 1.88 more inches of precipitation Monday.
A coastal flood warning, which was originally expected to expire Sunday night, was extended until 3 p.m. Monday. Rainfall finally ceased around 2 p.m. Monday, ending a three-day stretch of nearly constant drizzle.
The first signs of flooding were reported by Rye police late Friday night in the Tide Mill Basin. By Saturday morning, Milton Road had also been closed in the marina area.
The storm’s greatest impacts came during Saturday and Sunday’s daytime high tides. A wind advisory took effect Friday afternoon and lasted until noon Sunday, as gusts topped out around 50 mph.
City officials warned Rye residents to prepare Friday morning as the Nor’easter began to roll in.
“We are asking residents to prepare now, particularly those in coastal and flood-prone areas,” said City Manager Brian Shea. “The forecast has changed considerably over the last 24 hours, including the upgrade to a coastal flood warning. Storm tracks and forecasts can change quickly, so residents should continue monitoring the National Weather Service for updates throughout the weekend.”
A Rye High School football game scheduled for Friday at Mount Vernon was moved up to Thursday in anticipation of weekend wind gusts.
Residents were advised to secure loose outdoor items, charge phones and essential devices, and move vehicles from areas that are historically susceptible to flooding.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and taking a few simple steps before the storm arrives can make a real difference,” said Mayor Josh Nathan. “We’re asking residents to stay informed, take precautions around flooding and strong winds, and check in on neighbors who may need assistance. Rye is at its best when we look out for one another.”
After first responders were tasked with rescuing multiple drivers from cars in a previous September storm, the Rye Police Department reminded residents to never drive through standing or moving water or around barricades.
The City’s Police, Fire, Public Works and emergency management personnel will continue monitoring the storm and responding as conditions warrant. City Planner Christian Miller presented proposed amendments to the city’s flood laws at Wednesday’s city council meetings, aiming to prevent damage in future storms.
The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services also said it will be actively monitoring the storm and coordinating preparations. The County Departments of Public Works and Transportation and Public Safety are also prepared to respond as needed.
“We are closely monitoring this storm and preparing for whatever impacts it may bring to Westchester,” said County Executive Ken Jenkins. “We are particularly concerned about our Sound Shore communities, where the combination of rain, wind and high tides could create flooding conditions. We are asking residents across the County to prepare now, use caution and avoid unnecessary travel when conditions deteriorate.”
