🚨 UPDATE: as of 3:15 pm on September 25, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, and Westchester. New Yorkers can text 333-111 for realtime updates.
New Yorkers, maybe rethink those weekend plans.
A strengthening nor’easter is now tracking closer to New York City than originally expected, bringing a wetter and windier forecast to the five boroughs this weekend. And yes, that means your carefully planned fall weekend could be getting a very unwelcome weather update.
The latest forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of rain across NYC, up from the 1 to 1.5 inches previously expected, along with wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph. The strongest winds are expected Friday night through Saturday night, while coastal flooding is possible around the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides.
NYC Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory from 2 pm Friday, September 25 through Sunday morning, urging New Yorkers to prepare for rain, strong winds and coastal flooding.
And while this isn’t shaping up to become a full blown NYC weather nightmare, the forecast has become serious enough that officials are warning residents to prepare for some potentially messy conditions.
The nor’easter is now tracking closer to NYC
The biggest change since earlier forecasts is the storm’s track.
According to NYC officials, the National Weather Service has shifted the expected path farther west and closer to New York City, which means the city is now expected to see more rain and stronger winds than previously forecast.
The storm is already bringing significant impacts farther south along the East Coast and is expected to strengthen as it tracks north. More than 40 million people across the East Coast are expected to feel some effects from the system, including rain, wind, coastal flooding, or a combination of the three.
For NYC, the current forecast calls for the rain to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, with Saturday expected to be particularly wet. Gusty winds will ramp up Friday afternoon, with the strongest conditions expected Friday night into Saturday night.
Several major NYC events have already been canceled
The nor’easter is no longer just threatening to put a damper on weekend plans—it’s already forcing some major events to call things off.
Among the biggest cancellations is the 2026 Global Citizen Festival, which was scheduled to bring tens of thousands of people to Central Park’s Great Lawn on Saturday, September 26. The festival was set to feature Ms. Lauryn Hill & Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and more. Organizers canceled the event as the nor’easter’s forecast for heavy rain and strong winds worsened.
All Things Go at Forest Hills Stadium has also been canceled, affecting the festival’s Saturday programming in Queens. The weekend lineup was set to include Brandi Carlile, Ethel Cain, CMAT, Jensen McRae and Meg Stalter on Saturday, followed by MUNA, Carly Rae Jepsen, and The Beaches on Sunday.
And Global Citizen and All Things Go aren’t the only events being affected. More outdoor events across the NYC area and East Coast are being canceled or altered as organizers respond to the latest forecast, with strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding creating potentially unsafe conditions.
If you have tickets to an outdoor event this weekend, it’s worth checking directly with the organizer or venue before heading out. The forecast has changed significantly over the past few days, and additional cancellations or schedule changes could follow.
NYC could see 2–3 inches of rain
The latest forecast is calling for 2 to 3 inches of rain across New York City, with locally higher amounts possible.
That’s a notable increase from the city’s earlier forecast, which called for approximately 1 to 1.5 inches.
The rain is expected to spread into the area Friday and stick around through Sunday, with some forecasts showing additional showers and gusty conditions lingering into Monday as the storm slowly weakens and moves away.
Widespread flash flooding is not currently expected across NYC, but low-lying streets and areas with poor drainage could see water pooling during periods of heavier rain.
So, basically: if you were hoping for a crisp, sunny fall Saturday, the weather has other plans.
Wind gusts could reach 40–50 mph
The wind is another major concern.
NYC officials say 40 to 50 mph gusts are now expected, with the strongest winds arriving from Friday night through Saturday night. Winds could be even stronger on bridges, elevated roadways, and exposed coastal areas.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the area, while other forecasts are also warning of gusty conditions along the NYC and Long Island coast.
And because the city’s trees are still holding onto plenty of leaves, saturated ground combined with strong winds could create an increased risk of downed trees, branches and power lines, potentially leading to blocked roads or power outages.
If you’ve got anything sitting loose on your balcony, rooftop or patio, this would be a good weekend to bring it inside.
Coastal flooding is possible around high tide
The storm’s closer track is also raising concerns about coastal flooding across NYC.
According to city officials, flooding is expected around the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, with the most vulnerable areas including parts of southern Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
The high tides are generally expected around 7:30–8:30 pm Friday and 7:30–8:40 am Saturday, depending on location. Low-lying waterfront roads could flood, and officials are advising residents in vulnerable areas to move vehicles to higher ground.
Additional minor coastal flooding could also occur during subsequent high tides.
NYC has activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the National Weather Service, city and state agencies, utilities, and other partners ahead of the storm.
NYC beaches are closed—and the water will be dangerous
And before anyone gets the bright idea to make a dramatic weekend trip to the Rockaways to watch the waves: don’t.
The city’s beaches already closed for the season on September 13, and lifeguards are no longer on duty. Swimming is prohibited.
Officials are warning of a high risk of rip currents and dangerous surf through the weekend. High waves and strong currents will make the city’s beaches and shoreline particularly hazardous.
Forecasts for the broader NYC area are also warning of significant wave action and beach erosion along south-facing ocean beaches.
When will the nor’easter leave NYC?
The storm isn’t expected to be a quick in-and-out situation.
Rain and gusty winds are expected to continue through the weekend, with conditions gradually improving as the storm weakens and moves away. Some forecasts show showers and gusty winds lingering into Monday before the system finally pushes offshore.
For now, Friday night and Saturday are expected to bring the most significant impacts for NYC, particularly when it comes to wind, heavy rain, and coastal flooding.
So, if you were planning on spending your entire weekend outside, you might want to have a backup plan ready. The nor’easter currently has other ideas.