New Delhi, Oct. 30 -- New York City is under a Weather Alert as officials warn of heavy rain and strong winds moving in on Thursday. The city's Emergency Management Department says the system could bring flooding, coastal surges and wind gusts up to 50 mph through the night.

According to the National Weather Service, rain will start early in the morning and get rough by late afternoon. Heavy rain is expected to sweep from the Hudson Valley down to the Jersey Shore. NWS officials said rainfall rates could reach one inch per hour-enough to overflow drains and flood-prone streets. By evening, winds will pick up, too, with speeds nearing 30 mph and gusts of up to 40-50 mph.

Minor flooding is likely near shorelines - especially during high t...