#NYC sets up flood barriers in Lower Manhattan ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias

Temporary flood barriers are being set up in Lower Manhattan in preparation for a possible storm surge from Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to dump several inches of wind-swept rain on the Big Apple, Mayor de Blasio said Monday.

“We are not taking any chances at all,” Hizzoner said. “I want to remind everybody that it is the same approach that has worked time and time again — New Yorkers looking out for each other is crucial in a situation like this.”

Large water-filled, interlocking tubes called Tiger Dams were installed along South Street to help reduce the expected deluge. The tubes were filled with water from a hydrant.

They form a barrier to protect property before storms hit, according to Flood Control Corp., which developed the system. Each tube weighs 65 pounds dry and 6,300 when filled with water, according to the company.

This project spans nearly a mile from Wall Street to Catherine Slip and South Street to Water Street.

NYC Emergency Management, in its Interim Flood Protection Measures, also set up large sand bags in the area.

Though de Blasio noted that the impact “appears to be limited in terms of New York City,” he warned that “we have been surprised before by storms. We’ve been surprised by the way they can change at the last minute.”

He said “we’re in a very vigilant state right now. We are not taking any chances at all and for everyone who lived through Hurricane Sandy, you will remember we got a lot more than we bargained for.”

De Blasio pointed out that Lower Manhattan “is particularly vulnerable in this situation based on what we’ve heard from the National Weather Service.”

He said emergency management workers are deploying interim flood protection measures at Water Street and Wall Street.

“This is exactly what you’ll see from the area around South Street Seaport going all the way down toward Wall Street,” he said. “This is crucial. This is going to help protect the community right around there that got hit very hard in Sandy.”

Emergency management commissioner Deanne Criswell said the rain is expected to begin Monday night, with the bulk arriving Tuesday.

Between 2 to 4 inches are expected, Criswell said, adding that winds of up to 45 mph are possible for two to three hours with gusts of up to 60 mph Tuesday.

The New York City Housing Authority is adding additional staff to prepare for possible service disruptions.