A snow alert has been issued for the city as a powerful nor'easter brings in heavy rains and gusty winds that could slam low lying areas and impact the Friday evening commute.

The city Sanitation Department says it has nearly 700 salt spreaders at the ready.

The agency says snow plows will start rolling out when and if two inches of snow has fallen.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution while out in the storm.

Many New Yorkers are taking precaution as they worry about rising water levels and possible flooding.

Emergency officials are also urging residents to prepare for high gusting winds.

Officials say if you live in an area that tends to flood, you should keep materials like sandbags, plywood and lumber on hand.

The worst of the storm is projected to be Friday from noon to midnight, when winds will be damaging and at their strongest.

There could be flooding during the morning and evening rush hours Friday, but subway flooding from the rain will be isolated. Coastal flooding at the Battery or in the subways is not expected.

Rain

- The city is expecting 2 to 3 inches of rain, with widespread street and highway flooding likely.

Flooding

- A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Friday for Lower Manhattan and the coastal areas of Queens and Staten Island. Those areas could see 1 to 2 feet of flooding.

- Moderate coastal flooding is likely in the Rockaways for the high tide cycles Friday morning, Friday night, and Saturday morning. The high tide there will be around 8 a.m. and close to 8 p.m.

- Several feet of water are anticipated to be in the streets of coastal communities during high tide. Water may get into some homes.

- Queens Point and City Island may see some water in the streets.

- Areas with poor drainage and low-laying urban areas could be particularly susceptible to flooding.

- The city is urging drivers and pedestrians to avoid crossing areas where water levels are too high to cross safely.

Wind

- A High Wind Warning has been issued for the five boroughs for Friday.

- Sustained winds will be 20 to 40 miles per hour, with wind gusts up to 60 MPH.

- Numerous downed tree branches are likely, and isolated fallen trees are possible.

- The city Department of Buildings is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

- The agency says it will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city and will issue violations and Stop Work Orders if necessary.

Snow will mix with the rain Friday afternoon and evening, with a slushy inch or so possible.

Northern sections of the city could see more snowfall amounts. 

As the storm tapers Friday, winds will continue to pick up Friday evening into Saturday.

Major delays and cancellations are likely at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports.

AirTrain Newark service will be suspended at 11:30 a.m. Friday and replaced by shuttle buses. 

Check with your carrier before heading out.

NYC Ferry service disruptions are also expected through the Friday evening.

Passengers should check with service providers before their departure. 

Amtrak says service to Boston and Harrisburg from New York Penn Station is being suspended Friday afternoon until conditions improve along the corridors.

Although highs are expected to reach 40 degrees, wind chills will make the city feel much colder.

Residents who lose power are urged to call 911 for assistance.