The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Long Island and the entire New York City region as a slow-moving storm system could bring heavy rain and high winds Thursday afternoon.

Storms and flood threats are headed for the New York City area, prompting a string of First Alert Weather Days through the end of the work week. Heavy rain that may cause flooding is expected both Thursday and Friday.

Kathy Hochul said state agencies are also preparing for heavy rain and possible flooding. Her office encouraged residents to sign up for real-time weather and emerge