Batten down the hatches.
A powerful winter storm is set to bring multiple inches of rain and possible major flooding to the Tri-State area Tuesday – as officials declare warnings ahead of the severe weather moving north.
A flood watch is already in effect in parts of New York and New Jersey as storm watchers predict three to five inches of rain in some areas, the FOX Forecast Center reported.
The precipitation combined with residual slushy conditions from the weekend’s snow dusting could result in serious flooding, the outlet explained.
All of New York City, Long Island, and even parts of Connecticut are also under a High Wind Warning – as well as an overall storm warning that goes into effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The region could see wind gusts up to 50 to 70 mph Tuesday night, FOX warned.
“This combination of very strong winds and a plume of very heavy moisture coming up along the Eastern Seaboard is going to spell real issues for power outages,” FOX Weather Winter Storm Specialist explained.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the impending storm in a briefing from Albany Monday.
“The risk is significant,” Hochul said.
“Parts of the Hudson Valley will have a 70 percent chance of flash flooding,” she explained, adding that state officials are “preparing for every possible outcome.”
“Make no mistake: This could be a life-threatening storm,” Hochul insisted.
The governor encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the new State Weather Risk Communication Center.
On Monday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency to begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
“Do not underestimate this storm just because it’s rain in January and not snow,” Murphy explained during the storm briefing.
Flooding and high winds could lead to “tens of thousands” of power outages across the state, Murphy added.
The governor encouraged residents to stay home during the “hours of intensity” late Tuesday into early Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Connecticut Emergency Management & Homeland Security asked residents to secure their outdoor furniture, trim loose tree branches, and clean their gutters in anticipation of the storm wreaking havoc on the southern, coastal part of the state.
The winter onslaught will arrive late Tuesday after cutting a swath through Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas before arriving in the Northeast, the FOX Forecast Center predicted.
A tornado even touched down in Panama City, Florida around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, storm chaser Michael Gordon shared on X.