By Jon Schuppe
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Heavy rain and winds began pounding the city early Thursday, prompting warnings from officials to look out for flooding, downed power lines and falling tree limbs.
The rain slowed the morning commute for some drivers as flooding closed two lanes on the Harlem River Bridge.
The National Weather Service issued high wind and flood watches early Thursday morning. Alternate-side parking was suspended for the Jewish holiday Shemini Atzeret.
Temperatures are expected to stay in the 70s, with a high around 74 degrees expected and a low of 66 degrees.
The severe weather is related to Tropical Storm Nicole, which is churning over the southeastern United States, officials said.
The rain began Wednesday night and is expected to continue throughout Thursday and into Friday morning. At its heaviest, the storm could dump up to two inches of rain per hour. Winds will pick up Thursday afternoon, and could reach 55 miles per hour, officials said.
Of particular concern are tree limbs weakened by a tornado that hit the city on Sept. 16. Thousands of trees are still being inspected, officials said, and many still have hanging limbs and loose wires, officials added. Those limbs could break during the coming storm.
To report new hanging tree limbs, call 311.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management urged residents to clear leaves from yards, avoid flooded streets, report downed power lines and bring inside patio furniture, garbage cans, garden tools, and other loose and lightweight objects.
