Timeout when heavy rain will arrive in NYC today. Get the First Alert Weather Day forecast.

NEW YORK – Heavy rain and high winds are expected in the Tri-State area today, causing a First Alert Weather Day.

The latest forecast calls for slightly stronger wind gusts and more rain east of New York City. Long Island and the New Jersey coast appear to be in line for the strongest potentially damaging winds. We may have to deal with fallen trees and power lines.

More than 4 inches of rain could fall if enough storms move through. We need the rain to help put out the fire our rainfall deficitbut not all at the same time. Flooding is possible throughout the area, but the best bet is over Long Island.

Storm timeline for New York, New Jersey

Tuesday night – Wednesday 3 a.m.: Cloudy, isolated showers and some rain showers possible. Wind is not really a problem yet.

Wednesday 3 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Rain becomes widespread across the region. Occasional heavy rain showers possible. Wind gusts: 30-35 mph. Mild temperatures.

Wednesday 9am – 1pm: Waves of heavier rain arrive. The first potential squall line is forming south of New York City. Possible built-in thunderstorms are on the table, and the quick rain showers could cause potential flooding. Urban areas and areas with poor drainage will be affected. Wind: 35-45 mph. High temperature: 62 in New York City.

Wednesday 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: The worst of it. A nearly vertically stacked line of storms is moving through the Tri-State. Waves of downpours, flooding likely, wind damage possible. The wind blows really hard during this period. The squall line is thin but dangerous. Wind gusts: 50-60 mph, mainly along the New Jersey and Long Island coastlines. Precipitation: 1 – 1.5 inches by then.

Wednesday 7:00 PM – Thursday 3:00 AM: The line sweeps across Long Island, hammering its eastern side before heading out to sea. Rain continues to fall across much of the area, and now that the front is behind us, temperatures are starting to drop. By this time we could see some snow to the north and west, with small snow accumulations possible, and the winds are turning west and lower. We are still talking about wind gusts of more than 55 km per hour, which will drop the wind chill into the 20s from Thursday. Wind: 25-40 km/h. Rainfall: 2-3.4+ inches possible.