Staten Island, NY - As a major storm with the potential to become a "bomb cyclone" approaches, New York City is preparing for heavy rain and strong winds through Monday, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather.

The storm, expected to hit on Sunday, will impact travel plans just a week before Christmas. AccuWeather predicts slow travel due to flooded roads, airline delays, and possible flight cancellations. Regional power outages are also a concern.

Senior meteorologist John Feerick stated that the storm could meet the official criteria of a bomb cyclone, also known as "bombogenesis," which refers to rapid storm strengthening. This occurs when a storm's air rises, creating lower atmospheric pressure. To be classified as a bomb cyclone, the central barometric pressure within the storm must fall 0.71 inches of mercury in 24 hours or less.

Feerick mentioned that the storm would be powerful, even if it doesn't meet the technical criteria of a bomb cyclone. The worst conditions, including heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds, are expected on Sunday afternoon and Sunday night. While there may be some rain and drizzle in the afternoon, the intensity will increase in the evening with heavy rainfall.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood watch, aerial flood watch, and wind advisory for Staten Island, effective from Sunday into Monday. The forecast suggests that the Monday morning commute in New York City may be slow and challenging.

Feerick advises those with the option to work remotely to do so. Those who must go into work should plan accordingly, leaving earlier than normal to compensate for stormy conditions and potential traffic.

The storm's heavy rainfall, which can reach rates of 0.5 inches per hour or higher, poses a threat of street and highway flooding. Approximately 2-3 inches of rain are expected by the end of the storm in some areas of New York City. Coastal beach communities will likely experience moderate flooding, beach erosion, and potential damage to dunes and other structures.

AccuWeather warns that small streams are likely to experience quick rises and flooding from Sunday night into Monday. Some rivers in New York could also experience minor to moderate flooding from Monday to Tuesday as runoff gradually advances.

Additionally, a wind shift on Monday could cause additional power outages as trees sway in the saturated soil, potentially leading to the breaking of large, waterlogged tree limbs.

Residents should be prepared for strong winds along the coast, with gusts possibly reaching up to 60 miles per hour or higher in some areas. This could result in localized damage.

The rain is expected to continue through midday Monday, but low-lying areas may still have standing water. However, Feerick anticipates that the afternoon commute on Monday will be less severe, as the rain will likely cease by then, although windy conditions will persist.

Temperatures during the storm are expected to reach a high of around 55 degrees on Sunday and 59 degrees on Monday. Tuesday will bring cooler temperatures with possible rain or snow showers in some areas. Following the storm, the borough is expected to have a break from precipitation with mostly clear skies for the Christmas holiday.

As the storm approaches, residents are urged to stay informed of any updates or alerts from local authorities and be prepared for potential travel disruptions, power outages, and flooding.