Flash floods and severe weather could batter New Jersey and New York City on Monday, causing potential chaos ahead of a major World Cup match.
Senegal and Norway will face off at NYNJ Stadium on June 22, but experts have warned that rain will begin late in the morning and intensify into the afternoon. According to a message from the New York City Mayor’s Office, the downpour could even continue overnight.
Meanwhile, New York City could also experience severe thunderstorms with isolated wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
“New Yorkers should take this weather seriously and make plans now to stay safe during potentially dangerous conditions,” the Mayor’s Office said in the release.
According to NBC 4 New York, heavy rainfall rates could reach up to 1-2 inches an hour. New York City’s sewer system is only built to withstand 1.75 inches per hour.
Temperatures could plunge to lows of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs around the mid-70s also being estimated.
On X, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that New York City has been coordinating since Thursday to prepare for the storms.
“After a perfect weekend, rain and storms are returning to New York City tomorrow,” he wrote. “If rain and storms are severe, seek shelter indoors and wait for conditions to improve before traveling,” Mamdani continued. “No destination is worth risking your safety.”
Agencies have cleared catch basins and performed targeted inspections of flood-prone neighborhoods, while the Tow Truck Task Force has been prepared to assist stranded vehicles. Additionally, the Downed Tree Task Force has been placed on alert to respond to fallen trees and branches.
Kick off for Monday night’s World Cup match between Norway and Senegal is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. The match will take place at the MetLife Stadium, which is currently being branded as the New York New Jersey Stadium, around 11 miles from New York City.
According to the Mayor’s Office, the match could potentially coincide with the severe weather. On top of that, it could also coincide with the evening rush hour.
“New Yorkers should expect heavy traffic and travel delays,” the Mayor’s Office said. “Walk, bike or take public transportation whenever possible.”
Norway has enjoyed a flying start in the 2026 World Cup, winning 4-1 over Iraq. On June 16, Senegal was defeated 3-1 by France.
Norwegian Manager Ståle Solbakken said that his team will “need to be ready” to face Senegal.
“I'm not afraid or anything tomorrow, but have great respect for Senegal,” he told reporters on Sunday. “They are a fast and quality side, and we will need to be ready to face that, defending their wingers and be wary of their counters.”
Solbakken added that he wants his team to “keep our identity and follow what we do best.”
Senegalese Coach Pape Thiaw said that his team was in a “very tough group” for the World Cup, but that there is “everything left to play for.”
“We cannot get this wrong,” Thiaw added at Sunday’s press conference.
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