Millions of commuters, tourists and soccer fans in the New York metropolitan area are under flood watches as a line of severe storms threatens to disrupt travel on the day of a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium.

The National Weather Service issued Flood Watches for all five boroughs of New York City and several counties in New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union and Hudson.

Rain began moving into the region after 10 a.m. ET, with heavier downpours expected through the afternoon. Forecasters warned that thunderstorms would intensify between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., bringing rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour in some locations.

A brief break is possible in the evening before another round of storms arrives late Monday night.

Travel risks peak during match day

The timing poses immediate problems for fans heading to MetLife Stadium for the Group Stage match between Senegal and Norway, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.

Thousands are expected to use roads, trains and public transit to reach the venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during the period of highest flood risk.

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Transportation officials urged residents and visitors to use public transit where possible and to avoid driving through flooded areas.

Even shallow moving water can disable vehicles or sweep them away, according to emergency guidance.

New York City Mayor’s Office officials stated: “New Yorkers should take this weather seriously and make plans now to stay safe during potentially dangerous conditions.

Exercise caution while traveling, take public transit whenever possible and never walk, bike or drive through floodwaters.”

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell added: “Monday’s forecast will bring rain and the potential for thunderstorms with gusty winds, impacting commuting times and outdoor activities.

We are coordinating with the FIFA Host Committee and New Jersey for any impacts to the fan fests in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as travel to and conditions during the game.”

Strong thunderstorms may also bring wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, raising the risk of downed tree limbs and scattered power outages. Lightning associated with the storms could trigger delays at the stadium.

Under FIFA rules, play cannot resume until 30 minutes have passed without a lightning strike in the designated danger zone. There is no fixed limit on delay duration if lightning persists.

Preparations and rainfall outlook

City and state crews spent recent days clearing storm drains and inspecting flood-prone areas. Specialized response teams are on standby for stranded vehicles, fallen trees and other incidents.

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Forecasters do not expect widespread river flooding, but urban flash flooding remains a primary concern due to the intensity of the rain on already saturated or poorly drained surfaces. Smaller streams and creeks could rise rapidly.

The National Weather Service noted that excessive runoff may quickly overwhelm roads, rail lines and other major travel routes. The combination of heavy game-day traffic and sudden flooding has created conditions for significant delays across the region.

Officials encouraged people to add extra time to commutes, clear catch basins when safe, and sign up for Notify NYC alerts for real-time updates. Travelers were also advised to monitor forecasts closely and prepare alternate plans.