If you’re planning to hit the road Friday afternoon in or around New York City, you might want to rethink your timing. Forecasters are sounding the alarm on a line of strong storms expected to strike NYC and the I‑87 corridor during peak evening commute hours. These storms could bring blinding rain, dangerous lightning, gusty winds, and the potential for major traffic delays—just as thousands take to the roads for the weekend.
What’s Coming and When
Weather experts are tracking a developing storm system moving through New York Friday afternoon and evening, with the biggest impacts expected between 1 PM and 9 PM. For New York City, scattered showers will begin early, but the heavier thunderstorm cells are expected to hit during rush hour—just in time to cause widespread travel delays.
Up the I‑87 corridor, from the Bronx all the way to the Hudson Valley and beyond, commuters can expect sudden downpours, gusty winds up to 40 mph, and flashy lightning that could reduce visibility and make highway driving treacherous.
Why This Will Be a Problem on the Roads
This isn’t just a passing drizzle. These storms could make already congested roads in NYC and on I‑87 even worse.
-
Rainfall rates could exceed an inch per hour, flooding low-lying intersections and underpasses quickly.
-
Poor visibility from sheets of rain could catch drivers off guard, especially in areas without good drainage.
-
Sudden stops and hydroplaning risks go up significantly when roads are slick and drivers are rushing.
-
Lightning and wind gusts may knock out traffic lights or create brief power issues in some urban zones.
-
Weekend travelers heading north for summer getaways could face backups along the thruway and parkways.
What You Can Do Right Now to Prepare
-
If possible, leave earlier or later to avoid the peak of the storm
-
Use traffic and weather apps like 511NY or radar maps to route around the worst conditions
-
Slow down and increase following distance—especially in fast-moving showers
-
Turn on headlights and defoggers for visibility
-
Avoid flooded roads—even a few inches can disable a car or cause hydroplaning
-
If walking or taking transit, bring extra waterproof layers and expect delays on above-ground rail lines
Storm Timing You Should Watch
-
1–3 PM: Storms begin to pop across metro NYC and lower Hudson Valley
-
3–6 PM: Peak intensity — heavy rain, thunder, and gusty winds likely
-
6–9 PM: Storms taper but scattered showers may linger, slowing traffic
-
Weekend outlook: Muggy and unstable — more pop-up storms likely Saturday and Sunday afternoon
Bottom Line
This isn’t a storm to ignore. It’s arriving at the worst possible time: just as commuters hit the roads, families start weekend trips, and transit systems are stretched. From SoHo to Saratoga, travelers should stay alert, stay flexible, and be ready for a wet, wild evening drive. This is your heads-up—don’t let the storm catch you off guard.
