African Whistle Magazine

06/07/2024

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE: NEW YORK
MAYOR ADAMS, NYPD COMMISSIONER CABAN ANNOUNCE
ENHANCED SUMMER ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS TO REMOVE ILLEGAL MOPEDS AND SCOOTERS FROM CITY STREETS

Officials Crush More Than 200 Illegal Mopeds and Scooters Seized in 2024

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced the NYPD’s enhanced summer enforcement strategy to help remove illegal motorized scooters, mopeds, bikes, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), and other unregistered vehicles from city streets as warmer weather months typically see an uptick in crime patterns involving these illegal vehicles. In 2023, the NYPD confiscated 18,430 illegal and unregistered motorized scooters, bikes, and ATVs — the highest number in city history — representing a 128 percent increase from 2022. This year, the NYPD has already removed more than 13,000 illegal two-wheeled vehicles and ATVs, bringing the total number to nearly 42,000 since the Adams administration came into office. The 42,000 figure represents the largest number of illegal moped and scooter seizures in a 30-month span in New York City history.

“When it comes to protecting public safety, this administration is crushing it and that includes our efforts to crack down on the ongoing issue of illegal mopeds and scooters on our streets and sidewalks,” said Mayor Adams. “Mopeds and scooters are not only endangering pedestrians when they are driven recklessly, but we have also seen an exponential increase in criminals using them to ride around and sn**ch property from New Yorkers. That’s why the NYPD will be ramping up a summer enforcement strategy to curb use of these illegal and unregistered vehicles. We are sending an important message to everyone who drives on the streets of our city: no one is above the law, and if you drive an illegal vehicle, you will face the consequences — and so will your vehicle.”

“These illegal vehicles have no place in New York City,” said NYPD Commissioner Caban. “These motorbikes are dangerous and reckless, and they put everyone on our streets and sidewalks at risk. On top of that, these bikes have become the vehicle of choice in the commission of robberies and other violent crime patterns across our city. The NYPD takes this issue seriously, as proven by the thousands of vehicle seizures we have made so far this year. We will continue to listen to concerned New Yorkers who correctly demand that these hazards be removed from their neighborhoods, and we will keep working closely with City Hall, the city's Department of Transportation, and all the people we serve to keep our roadways safe.”

Since 2022, crime patterns for street robberies and grand larcenies involving the use of illegal scooters and mopeds have steadily increased. In the first five months of 2022, the NYPD tracked 10 total robbery patterns, made up of 44 complaints involving these types of unregistered vehicles. Over those same five months in 2023, the number of robbery patterns increased to a total of 22, while the number of complaints jumped to 104.

Through just the first five months of 2024, the NYPD has already identified a total of 79 robbery patterns (almost eight times the figure in the same period in 2022), with more than 415 complaints (almost 10 times the figure in the same period in 2022).

While overall index crime across New York City dropped another 2.4 percent in May 2024, compared to the same month last year, robberies and felony assaults experienced increases in May, largely fueled by offenders fleeing crime scenes on illegal, unregistered motorized scooters, bikes, or other vehicles.

Scooters and similar modes of transportation enable criminals to quickly commit offenses — often physically assaulting a victim in the process — without ever getting off their vehicle or simply by temporarily dismounting while a second individual stays seated. In both instances, mopeds and scooters facilitate a fast escape. For example, the NYPD recently made arrests following a citywide crime pattern where two individuals used a motorized vehicle to commit, and quickly flee, 112 separate chain-sn**ching incidents. Scooters have also been increasingly used in attempts to evade police because these two-wheeled vehicles can be driven onto sidewalks and into tight alleyways through which police cars cannot fit.

In response, the NYPD has strategically deployed Public Safety Teams to the locations and times at which many of these crimes are most likely to occur. Further, investigators are working to uncover any criminal networks that are enabling offenders.

The NYPD’s enhanced summer enforcement strategy includes intensifying efforts to curb the illegal use of motorized scooters, bikes, ATVs, and other unregistered vehicles on city highways and streets through the strategic redeployment of Community Response Team (CRT) officers to focus on removing these illegal vehicles. NYPD officers will also increase the use of strategic checkpoints staged at bridges, tunnels, and other major roadways and crossings across the five boroughs. Such operations have already proven highly successful, contributing to more than 40,000 illegal motorized scooters, mopeds, ATVs, and other bikes seized since the start of the Adams administration.

The Adams administration has also been advocating for state legislation in Albany to help crack down on the proliferation of illegal and unregistered vehicles on city streets. This critical piece of legislation (S7703/A8450) would close the “moped loophole” by requiring registration and licensing at the point of sale for these vehicles, helping stem the tide of new unlicensed mopeds on the street and holding sellers accountable.

“There are too many unlicensed mopeds on our streets, and even worse, on our sidewalks,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “I’m grateful that Mayor Adams and the NYPD are taking action to keep pedestrians safe by removing as many of these illegal motorized vehicles as possible. In Albany, I am also working to address this problem with legislation, along with Assemblymember Bores, which would require moped registration at the point of sale (S.7703). This will hold dealers responsible for registering mopeds and motorcycles, which in turn will help reduce the number of unlicensed and unregistered vehicles on our streets, and lead to less traffic related incidents and more accountability for the operators of these vehicles.”

“Mopeds always required registration, but because of confusion or deceit very rarely were,” said New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores. “With this bill, we closed a loophole and will now require mopeds to be registered before they leave the store, stopping the flow of illegal mopeds onto our streets, and making moped riders and pedestrians much safer. This is a true win-win.”

“Seemingly ubiquitous, illegal and unlicensed scooters and mopeds fly flagrantly in the face of our traffic laws, making our roadways and commercial corridors less safe, and worsening the quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “Worse yet, these illicit vehicles have become increasingly involved in criminal activity, posing a direct threat to the public safety of both pedestrians and law-abiding motorists. In fact, just two days ago, a violent assailant in Queens used an illegal moped to commit a brazen act of gun violence which sent two brave members of New York’s finest to the hospital. These unregistered and dangerous vehicles have no place on our streets, and while the men and women of my office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold these literal drivers of crime accountable, I commend Mayor Adams and the NYPD for their proactive efforts and look forward to working alongside them in the weeks ahead to rid our communities of these traffic and public safety hazards and better protect all Staten Islanders.”

01/30/2024

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE; NEW YORK
Mayor Adams’ State of the City – Small Business Services Supporting Entrepreneurs Citywide

On Wednesday, in his third State of the City address, Mayor Eric Adams unveiled an ambitious blueprint for the future of working-class New Yorkers, envisioning a city that is safer, more livable, and more prosperous. “Crime down, jobs up. Finally, something 8.3 million New Yorkers can agree on,”
said Mayor Adams. SBS is proud to do its part with programs that help thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the city.

“One in six New York City businesses has opened since the start of this administration,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “Our city is determined to support our entrepreneurs, and with our record setting $75 million Small Business Opportunity Fund, we have been able to do just that. Great job, [Commissioner Kevin D. Kim].

“Chef Jae Lee is the owner of Nowon, a popular Korean American bar and restaurant in the East Village. When Chef Jae Lee wanted to open a new location in Brooklyn, regular banks wouldn't give him a fair shake.

“Through the SBS Opportunity Fund, Chef Lee was able to get the small business loan he needed at an affordable interest rate, and now he is employing over 50 New Yorkers and serving up his legendary kimchi cheeseburgers in the East Village and Bushwick.”

As you continue your coverage of this year's State of the City, we'd love to arrange a conversation with Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, who can provide deeper insight into our programs and plans for 2024, and connect you with New Yorkers like Chef Lee, who have used SBS programs to start or expand their small businesses.

Please reach out to: [email protected]

01/26/2024

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE; NEW YORK
Mayor Eric Adams Community Op-Ed!

Balancing Our City’s Budget While Delivering for Working-Class New Yorkers

Our administration came into office with a clear mission: to protect public safety, revitalize our economy, and make all five boroughs more livable for the 8.3 million people who call New York City their home. For the last two years, we have worked every day to make our vision a reality. And the recently released Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Budget keeps us on track.

I am proud to report that jobs are up, crime is down, tourists are back, our streets are cleaner, and our children’s test scores are better. We have accomplished all this and delivered a balanced budget for New Yorkers.

It is important for New Yorkers to understand how we achieved this balanced budget that invests in working-class families, despite a perfect storm of COVID-19 stimulus funding drying up, tax revenue growth slowing, labor contracts that went years overdue, and an ongoing national humanitarian crisis that has brought more than 170,000 asylum seekers to our city in less than two years.

Despite a record $7.1 billion gap, we were able to balance and stabilize our budget without laying off a single city worker, raising taxes, and with minimal disruption to services that New Yorkers rely on. This is the result of careful fiscal planning and management.

We made tough but necessary decisions like implementing a hiring freeze and a Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) savings program. These steps, along with an unexpectedly strong economy, and lowering asylum seeker costs helped balance the budget.

And to properly manage the asylum seeker crisis, we helped file over 27,000 applications for asylum, work authorization, and temporary protected status. We also helped more than 60 percent of migrants take the next steps in their journeys.

Our strong fiscal management also helped to make restorations that put dollars back towards public safety, public space, and young people.

We restored funding for the April Police Academy Class, which means 600 additional officers out on our streets this fall. Additionally, we restored the fifth firefighter at 20 of the city’s engine companies because more firefighters on the job always helps.

We will maintain 23,000 litter baskets across the five boroughs, and continue to install the award-winning “Litter Basket of the Future,” so we can keep can winning the war against rats. And we will continue to fund our Parks Opportunity Program, which keeps our public spaces clean and green while helping our neighbors find job opportunities.

And to support one of our young people, our administration restored funding for 170 community schools so that students and families can continue to get the support they need, both in and out of the classroom. In addition, for the first time ever, our city will invest new funds into and entirely pay for Summer Rising, a program that impacts 110,000 children, and had originally been funded with temporary federal stimulus dollars.

Finally, libraries across all five boroughs will maintain their current level of funding so they do not have to further reduce the library programs and services that New Yorkers of all ages love.

All of these wins are possible because of our fiscal planning and discipline that keep our city safe and clean and open the doors of opportunity for everyone.

But we must continue to be cautious.

Experts expect the economy and job markets to slow this year, and asylum seekers will continue to arrive, so we must be vigilant and remain focused on making government more efficient and spending taxpayer dollars carefully. That is why we are proud that our preliminary budget includes a near-record Rainy-Day Fund of $8.2 billion.

Running a city of any size is never easy. And balancing the many competing needs of a city like New York requires us to think ahead and make the best decisions we can for today and tomorrow. Everything we do is about making this city safer and making it work better for working-class New Yorkers. That is what this budget delivers.

01/26/2024

A High Court in Lagos, Nigeria has sentenced Bishop Feyiropo Daniels, popularly known as Feyi Daniel, to life imprisonment for the offence of r**e and 3 years imprisonment for sexual assault of a female worshipper.

Both sentences are to run concurrently and his name will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State.

The acclaimed 'man of God' was remanded in prison custody in April 2023, by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for allegedly ra**ng two of his church members.

According to one of the victims, she knew the bishop on May 28, 2018, when her friend invited her to a church programme at Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State, where the cleric ministered.

She said after the programme she became a member of the church and rose to the position of an assistant pastor, and that the bishop, whom she regarded as her spiritual father, r**ed her at his residence in Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos State, on June 21, 2020.

In reaching his judgment, the court found that “the cleric used his dominant character and position to sexually violate two members of his church.

Delivering judgment, today, Justice Oshodi said he believed the testimony of the complainant as well as other witnesses who gave direct evidence which weren’t contradicted at any point during the trial, despite the denials of the defendant.

01/24/2024

Beautiful faces from the ongoing AFCON 2024

01/15/2024

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE; NEW YORK
MAYOR ADAMS RESTORES FUNDING FOR APRIL 2024 NYPD RECRUIT CLASS,

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that thanks to measures the city has implemented to responsibly manage the city’s budget and strategically navigate significant fiscal challenges, funding will be restored for the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to add another police academy class of 600 new recruits set to join the ranks in April. This class of recruits will graduate in October and will join the three additional police classes scheduled to graduate this year. Additionally, Mayor Adams announced that funding will be restored to return a fifth firefighter at 20 Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) engine companies and maintain 190 firefighters on payroll who are not expected to be able to return to full-duty status.

The funding restorations build on successful efforts by the Adams administration to drive down overall crime, with murders down 12 percent and shootings down 25 percent in 2023. They also follow targeted and effective steps taken by the Adams administration in the face of a $7 billion budget gap in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 due to federal COVID-19 stimulus funding drying up, expenses from labor contracts this administration inherited after being unresolved for years, , and the growing costs of the asylum seeker crisis — steps that have included helping put migrants on the path to self-sufficiency and reducing per-diem costs for migrants. The restorations will be reflected in the FY25 Preliminary Budget, which will be presented next Tuesday, at the City Charter deadline.

“Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and so everything we do is to ensure New York City remains the safest big city in America,” said Mayor Adams. “I am proud to announce that we are not only adding hundreds of additional NYPD officers to our police force this year but also bolstering the Fire Department’s ranks. Today’s measured and reasonable restorations to the NYPD and FDNY are due, in large part, to this administration’s ability to make the right financial decisions for our city and implement creative policies as we continue to see an influx of asylum seekers. But we are not out of the woods and have fiscal challenges in the year ahead, and that’s why we still need help from our federal and state partners to offset the costs of COVID-19 funding sunsetting and the continuous influx of asylum seekers. Our administration will continue to make the right fiscal decisions for our city, while keeping New Yorkers safe.”

“Mayor Adams has made public safety this administration’s top priority, and I am proud that, through the use of sound fiscal management and innovative ideas, we have identified solutions to sure up our ranks at both the NYPD and the FDNY,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “While our commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe is unwavering, New York City cannot continue to shoulder the burden of this massive humanitarian crisis on its own without significant financial aid from our state and federal partners.”

“The restoration of the April police academy recruit class is great news for the NYPD and all New Yorkers,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “There is no better investment in public safety than that of an NYPD officer — and these 600 additional recruits will help bolster our efforts to drive down crime even further in 2024.”

“We are grateful to the mayor for reinstating the fifth firefighter, providing us additional resources as we tackle emerging challenges like lithium-ion batteries,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We know controlling costs is crucial during these tough fiscal times. The department will continue to take every measure necessary to ensure we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely while fulfilling our mission of protecting life and property.”

In August 2023, Mayor Adams laid out projections estimating the cost of the asylum seeker crisis to grow to more than $12 billion over three fiscal years — between FY23 and FY25 — if circumstances did not change. From April 2022 through December 2023, the city has already spent an estimated $3.5 billion on shelter and services for over 168,500 individuals who came through the city’s intake center during that timeframe. With sunsetting COVID-19 stimulus funding, slowing tax revenue growth, expenses from labor contracts this administration inherited after being unresolved for years, and a lack of significant state or federal government action on the asylum seeker crisis, Mayor Adams took action — announcing a 5 percent Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) on city-funded spending for all city agencies with plans for additional rounds of PEGs in the Preliminary and Executive Budgets. And, through strong fiscal management that included implementing measures to reduce household per-diem costs and helping put migrants on the path to self-sufficiency, the city is projected to achieve a 20 percent reduction in city-funded spending on the migrant crisis by the end of FY24, which will be detailed in the FY25 Preliminary Budget.

As a result of the administration’s policies, nearly 60 percent of the asylum seekers who came through the city’s intake center have left the city’s care and taken the next steps in their journeys. Through the Asylum Application Help Center and the city’s satellite sites, the city has helped submit more than 25,000 work authorization, temporary protected status, and asylum applications, moving asylum seekers that much closer to being able to legally work and be self-sufficient.

01/15/2024

HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY
On the third Monday in January, the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther KingJr. is honored across America.

First established in 1983, MLK Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day Of Service. While many Americans have off from school and work, the holiday is seen as a “day on, not a day off,” and provides opportunities to volunteer and give back to communities.

This MLK Day in NYC is a special one because it falls on January 15, the actual birth date of the civil rights leader. Dr. King would've been 95 years old today!

01/15/2024

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE; NEW YORK
NYC DOT Completes New Plaza Space, Shared Street on Post Avenue in Inwood

New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez joined elected officials to celebrate the completion of a new plaza space and pedestrian safety enhancements on Post Avenue, between West 207th Street and 10th Avenue in Inwood. By converting the block of Post Avenue into a one-way street, NYC DOT was able to dramatically expand the pedestrian space to create a new plaza and calm traffic on the block with the installation of a "Shared Street" with a 5 MPH speed limit.

"Street by street and plaza by plaza, this administration is making real inroads on delivering quality green space and pedestrian safety enhancements right outside of New Yorker's front doors," said Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi. "Many thanks to the Department of Transportation for delivering this project, supporting Inwood residents to take advantage of outdoor space for connection and relaxation and feel safer on their streets."

"Every New Yorker deserves safe streets and welcoming spaces where they can meet with family and friends or enjoy public events that help build community with their neighbors," said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "This great project dramatically expands space for pedestrians and calms traffic at three nearby intersections. We thank Mayor Adams for his support in expanding the installation of these spaces across the city and for the Inwood Merch ant Association for their partnership at this location."

The project was completed as part of NYC DOT’s record-setting 2023, where it installed more than 580,000 square feet of new pedestrian space—more than any prior year on record. Through the installation of curb extensions at two adjacent intersections of 10th Avenue, NYC DOT has dramatically shortened the time it takes to cross three intersections in the area, enhancing pedestrian safety and calming turning vehicles. Through the new plaza space and sidewalk extensions, NYC DOT added more than 9,400 square feet of new pedestrian space to the area.

NYC DOT conducted years of outreach ahead of the project installation, beginning in 2018 with preliminary meetings with community groups. The Inwood Merchant Association will serve as NYC DOT’s public space partner at this location and will be responsible for maintenance, including litter removal, snow clearance, furniture maintenance, programming, events, and horticultural care.

"The creation of this new plaza on 207 and Post Avenue provides a space where residents can gather and connect with one another, strengthening the bonds within our community," said Congressmember Adriano Espaillat. "The additional pedestrian space is crucial to ensuring the safety of our neighbors from life-threatening accidents, and my office worked relentlessly to make this a reality for our community. I commend NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez and all who worked collaboratively to ensure completion of this project and public space for families across my district."

"Inwood's Post Avenue transformation is a testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together," said State Senator Robert Jackson. "By prioritizing pedestrians, safety, and shared spaces, the NYC DOT, the Inwood Merchant Association, and surrounding street vendors not only created a plaza but also woven a stronger social fabric where neighbors can gather, learn, and grow. This is a symbol of progress and unity for Inwood."

"I commend Commissioner Rodriguez and the city on this achievement in making our streets more safe and more friendly to pedestrians," said Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos.

"Plazas and shared streets have become places to foster community and prioritize safe, walkable streets," said Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa. "We are proud to not only introduce a new open space for Uptown but to entrust the oversight to one of our many community-oriented organizations, the Inwood Merchants Association. We look forward to the productive and positive use of the space and the many health and safety benefits it will bring to our Inwood residents."

"The inauguration of the 207 plaza marks a significant milestone for our community. This space is more than just an open area; it's a testament to our collective commitment to revitalizing and enriching our neighborhood," said Gwen Martinez, executive director of the Inwood Merchants Association. "It's a place where local culture and commerce can flourish side by side, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents. This plaza isn't just a physical space; it's a reflection of our neighborhood's spirit and resilience."

"Reclaiming public space for pedestrians and cyclists leads to calmer traffic and safer roads, and we applaud DOT for completing this exciting public pedestrian plaza," said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. "Inwood is a neighborhood in desperate need of public investment, and it’s no surprise that under Commissioner Rodriguez’s leadership, this important project finally crossed the finish line."

"New year, new public space! These street improvements represent an investment in a happier, healthier future for Inwood and the entire city," said Jackson Chabot, director of advocacy and organizing at Open Plans. "Shorter street crossing and slower vehicle speeds will save lives, and new sidewalk and plaza space creates new opportunities to build community connections. Added together, these changes help transform our city streets into people-centered spaces that enrich, rather than endanger, every New Yorkers’ life."

"Creating car-free public plazas unlocks vibrant community spaces, while protecting New Yorkers from traffic violence. This project on Post Avenue is a model for building public space in neighborhoods around New York City," said Jada Yeboah, Bronx/uptown organizer for Transportation Alternatives. "We're glad to see Commissioner Rodriguez and DOT open 9,400 new square feet of pedestrian space in Inwood and look forward to cutting the ribbon on even more public space in 2024."

01/14/2024

Renowned Nigeria actor, Ali Nuhu appointed Director Of Nigeria Film Corporation

Ali Nuhu is a renowned actor, movie director, businessman, and philanthropist who has won several national and international awards.

He joined the Nollywood mainstream and has remained relevant there for about a decade now. He featured prominently in some Nollywood blockbusters, such as Banana Island Ghost, Diamonds in the Sky, and Shanty Town, where he played the role of the Chief’s Lawyer.
He studied film production and cinematic arts at the University of California and attended training programmes at the Asian School of Media Studies in New Delhi. He also took part in numerous film festivals, including the Zuma Film Festival and the Pyongyang International Film Festival.

He has so appeared in a number of big-budget films in Kannywood such as Wasila, Mujadala, and Sangaja. These films aided him in establishing himself in Kannywood as a veteran.
Due to his impressive success in Kannywood, he has been regarded as the most advertised actor, with companies such as Globacom Nigeria, Royco, Pepsi, Blue Boat, Champions Milk, Cherie Noodles, etc all having him as the face of their respective brands. He also served as the Nigerian Communications Commission’s “Face of the Consumer” in 2017.

This talented thespian was born on March 15, 1974, to Mallam Nuhu Peloma and Fatima Kaderam and had his childhood and secondary education in Kano.
In 1997, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Jos, and in 1998, he did his mandatory NYSC in Ibadan, Oyo State.
During his undergraduate years, he had his first film audition and started acting fully in the Hausa movie industry, popularly referred to as Kannywood by it’s viewers

01/14/2024

Nigerian singer Yemi Alade on Saturday performed at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, at the Stade Olympique Alessane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

01/13/2024

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE; NEW YORK
NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR WINTER STORM

Heavy Rain, Strong to Damaging Winds, and Moderate Coastal Flooding Expected Across NYC

January 8, 2024 – The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for the evening of Tuesday, January 9 into Wednesday morning, January 10, 2024, as a strong storm impacts the region. Several National Weather Service products have been issued for this storm.

A Flood Watch is in effect citywide from 6:00 p.m. tomorrow to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday. Rain may start off light tomorrow afternoon with heavy rain developing in the evening and continuing through early Wednesday morning. The heaviest rainfall is expected between 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., with spotty showers possible through about noon. Thunderstorms and lightning will also be possible overnight. The forecast calls for citywide rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches at rates around 0.5 inch/hour, with locally higher amounts and rates possible. A rising high tide tomorrow evening in New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay may coincide with the onset of heavy rain, resulting in compound flooding along vulnerable roadways near the shoreline, which may result in travel disruptions for the evening commute. Additional impacts include widespread minor flooding and localized flash flooding of roadways and properties overnight, with residual flooding possible during the Wednesday morning commute. Areas adjacent to the Bronx River may see significant flooding overnight and Wednesday morning due to snowmelt and heavy rain occurring upstream.

A High Wind Warning is in effect for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island from 6:00 p.m. tomorrow to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. A Wind Advisory is also in effect for the same time for the Bronx and Manhattan. In Warning areas, southeast winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected, highest along the southern coast. In Advisory areas, winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 50 mph are forecast. The period of strongest winds will be from about 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Potential impacts include scattered to widespread downed trees and limbs, power outages, damage to unsecured items, and difficult travel.

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for southern Queens from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. Widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected, with up to 2 to 3 feet of inundation possible along shorelines in Warning areas, and 1 to 2 feet of inundation possible in Advisory areas. This may result in widespread flooding of roadways, properties, basements and first floor structures, numerous road closures, and flood-damaged vehicles, especially for southern Queens and Jamaica Bay on Wednesday morning. The tide will peak around 7:00 a.m. Wednesday in New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay, and around 10:00 a.m. in the Long Island Sound. Large breaking waves of 10 to 15 feet and high surf are also likely at Atlantic-facing beaches, resulting in significant dune erosion and overwash.

“More inclement weather is expected to hit New York City tomorrow night, bringing with it heavy rains, strong winds, and the potential for flooding,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our city government is prepared to respond to whatever comes our way, but residents should also take the necessary precautions to stay safe and protect their belongings. I encourage all New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC to get the latest information and closely monitor the forecast as this storm approaches.”

“As New York City prepares for a potent mix of heavy rain, potential flooding, and strong winds from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, our dedicated teams are fully mobilized and working in close coordination with the National Weather Service, city and state agency partners, and local utility companies to ensure a robust and effective response,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Given that multiple warnings and advisories have been issued citywide, including the potential for significant coastal flooding in southern Queens, I urge all New Yorkers to take this storm seriously, stay updated through Notify NYC, and take necessary precautions.”

New York City Emergency Management, in response to the forecasted weather, has activated the city's Flash Flood Emergency Plan, and coordinated calls with the National Weather Service, partner agencies, as well as utility companies to ensure a unified and coordinated response.

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) crews have been checking flood-prone locations to ensure the functionality of catch basins and drainage infrastructure. DEP is also prepared to manage stormwater with cleaned and inspected Bluebelts and monitor flooding on arterial highways.

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is prepared to monitor road conditions at its Traffic Management Center and coordinate with sister agencies for flood conditions, while also assisting in clearing catch basins to prevent roadway flooding. All empty tractor-trailers and tandem trailers will be prohibited on MTA bridges due to expected high winds.

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) maintains 111 water-trained rescue units, equipped for various water rescues, and 143 ladder companies with chainsaws for potential wind and tree events. FDNY's Special Operations Command is prepared with high-axel vehicles for high water navigation and additional chainsaw-equipped units.

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) urges builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their sites. Random inspections will be conducted, with immediate enforcement action taken if necessary.

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will be checking and servicing hundreds of catch basins citywide, with equipment ready to assist in tree-related incidents, especially if the Downed Tree Taskforce is activated. There are currently no anticipated delays in trash/recycling collection. Residents may put material out at the curb following their normal schedule.

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation is on alert to monitor tree conditions, ready to activate the Downed Tree Task Force if necessary.

These efforts across multiple city departments reflect a unified and proactive approach to ensuring safety and minimizing the impact of severe weather conditions.

NYC Emergency Management strongly encourages all New Yorkers to take proactive steps to ensure their own safety and support the city’s resilience:

January 8, 2024 – The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for the evening of Tuesday, January 9 into Wednesday morning, January 10, 2024, as a strong storm impacts the region. Several National Weather Service products have been issued for this storm.