NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Heavy rain and high wind gusts are expected to hit New York City on Thursday, prompting the New York City Emergency Management Department to issue a Weather Alert.

Light rain will develop early Thursday morning, but by late afternoon into early evening, a heavy band of rain will push through the area, spreading from the Hudson Valley down to the Jersey Shore.

Rainfall rates could reach one inch per hour, prompting city officials to activate the Flash Flood Emergency Plan.

There could also be moderate coastal flooding with tides one to two feet above normal, which could cause minor flooding and beach erosion.

The tri-state area could see wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour by Thursday evening. Wind gusts could even reach 50 mph in some areas.

New Yorkers are encourag

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