Warmer-than-usual temperatures and heavy rain could cause flooding in the Lower Hudson Valley, according to the National Weather Service.
More precipitation is headed our way. A lot.
This time around, it's not snow. It's rain, and various state transportation agencies are readying in case of flooding.
"This unusual change in temperature can be dangerous this time of year, as ice on roads and in waterways melt," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "I am urging all New Yorkers to stay tuned-in to local weather reports and prepare for potential flooding that may result from warm temperatures and freezing rain expected through the weekend."
STATE OF TRANSPORTATION: Projects finally coming to fruition
PERFECT STORM: Many factors playing into home heating oil issues
CASHLESS TOLLING: Amnesty program set to start in February
The Thruway Authority and state Department of Transportation boast 245 and 1,548 large snow plow trucks, respectively, plus a litany of other snow and ice fighting equipment, should it come to that.
On top of that, the state DOT has been clearing snow and ice to allow better drainage.
But the forecast for Friday is just rain, which has its own issues: It can down trees interrupting rail service, it can flood roads, as is often the case on the Bronx River Parkway in White Plains, and can lead to more car crashes.
"The rain comes in after midnight," said Tom Kines, a meteorologist for Accuweather, who is predicting an inch or two of rain. "Most of the rain falls during the day tomorrow into tomorrow night and then comes to an end early in the day on Saturday."
He said he expects some of the rain to be heavy and that flooding could be a threat.
Despite climbing temperatures from the last two weeks of freezing cold, there is still plenty of snow on the ground that could melt with the rain, mixed with temperatures that could climb into the 50's.
According to the American Automobile Association, wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes every year.
The organization advises drivers to slow down in wet conditions, as just a little moisture could mean tires losing contact with the roadway at speeds as slow as 35 miles per hour, and give more space to the vehicle ahead of you.
If you begin to skid, do not slam on the brakes, but continue to steer where you want the car to go, AAA says.
Avoid driving through standing water if possible, but if you have to drive through it, slow down.
While Kines only expects rain for the area, he said the temperatures will drop Saturday, starting in the low 40's, but ending in the 20's, dropping further on Sunday into the middle teens.
That means any standing water can freeze, leading to slippery conditions through the weekend.
The declining temperatures could also mean some sleet or snow Saturday.
"The worst case scenario would be the colder air that's coming in, comes in before the precipitation ends, and as it ends, maybe there's a period of sleet or snow," Kines said. "We don't expect that to happen, but I'm kind of throwing it out there, just in case."
Twitter: @coynereports