Heavy Rain, Storms Are Heading For Both US Coasts. These Areas Will Be Hit the Hardest

Californians and New Yorkers are advised to prepare for heavy rain and storms as meteorologists track multiple storm systems that they predict will lash both the East and West Coast in the coming days. 

A storm is expected to batter the East Coast today, with New York hunkering down in anticipation. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a storm warning on Friday, saying in a release posted online that New Yorkers should prepare for potential flooding starting Sunday. 

“We are closely tracking a weather system that is bringing high winds and rain to regions across the State, posing a risk of flooding and power outages for New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “I have directed state agencies to monitor the weather system as it develops, and I urge all New Yorkers to take safety precautions and to check the forecast throughout the weekend and into early next week.”

The state is also preparing to deploy generators, heaters, sleeping materials, and water in the event of an emergency. 

The National Weather Service said in updates posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, that up to three inches of rainfall are projected in different parts of New York State, like Albany and the Binghamton area. 

New York City on Saturday issued a travel advisory, with Mayor Eric Adams urging residents to secure loose items outdoors and keep an eye on the forecast. 

“People in low-lying and poor drainage areas should take extra precautions. And today is a great day to clear your catch basins, to make sure the rain ends up in the sewers and not in our basements and streets,” Adams said. “As always, the best way to stay safe is to stay informed.”

Parts of California are expected to experience heavy rain as well later in the week, according to meteorological forecasts. 

Two storms are expected to whip the West Coast. The first storm, according to Fox Weather, will roll in on Sunday. 

The National Weather Service said in a tweet that the Los Angeles area and the surrounding area will receive no more than an inch of rain in most parts. But the second storm system, projected to hit Tuesday night, brings “much more uncertainty,” the NWS said. 

Due to the second storm, the Southern California area is expected to see several inches of rain later starting around Thursday, Fox Weather reported. 

The NWS in a Sunday morning update characterized the upcoming weather forecast as a “tale of two storms.” Rainfall forecasts from the second California storm remain up in the air. 

Daniel Swain, a climatologist who’s been tracking the weather, said in a tweet that the storms will coast “ essentially all of CA” and will likely last *at least* 2 weeks.”