On July 29, 2026, nearly 1,000 flights were canceled at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. The cancellations resulted from severe storms affecting New York City and the surrounding Northeast region, prompting warnings of hazardous travel and flash flooding.
Flood Watches and Rainfall Forecasts
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch covering New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, much of Connecticut, northern New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. They forecast 2 to 5 inches of rainfall in many areas, with isolated downpours of 2 to 3 inches possible within a single hour. Parts of the Catskills were
expected to receive between 6 and 8 inches of rain over a short period starting Tuesday, July 28, and continuing into Wednesday morning.
The US Weather Prediction Center placed New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson region under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, while other nearby areas faced slight to marginal flood risk levels.
Flight Disruptions and Travel Advisories
Airlines canceled hundreds of departures at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports on July 29, 2026, as the storm system moved through the region. Additional cancellations and delays were anticipated as hazardous weather persisted. Travel conditions worsened due to flooded roads, street inundations, and low-lying
neighborhoods being affected.
The New York City Emergency Management Department advised residents to allow extra time for travel and avoid driving through flooded roads due to flash flooding risks. The department highlighted the need for caution amid rapidly changing conditions affecting road safety.
Official Statements on Safety and Preparedness
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized vigilance in response to the prolonged rain event beginning July 28. She stated, “New York State will be experiencing a prolonged rain event beginning Tuesday that will bring heavy rains and cause flash flooding.” Hochul reiterated the safety recommendation: “When in doubt, turn around, don’t drown.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents
to prepare for dangerous weather, alerting the public to the risk of flash flooding, especially in vulnerable areas prone to quick water accumulation.
Both officials underscored the importance of monitoring weather updates and following safety instructions issued by local authorities.
Storm System Origin and Regional Flood Vulnerability
The severe thunderstorms responsible for the heavy rain originated in the Midwest earlier in the week, where they generated tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. The storm system caused widespread power outages and travel disruptions before reaching New York.
New York remains sensitive to heavy rainfall following the deadly flooding from remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021. Authorities warned residents
to exercise caution as the heavy rain and flash flooding posed significant hazards through Wednesday morning.
