Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State Preparations for Potential Flood Impacts as More Rain is Expected Today and Tomorrow

Suffolk County Under a Flash Flood Warning as Heavy Rain Continues to Impact Downstate Areas

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Has Equipment and Personnel on Standby for Flood Water Rescues, if Necessary

Governor Urges New Yorkers to Monitor Weather Conditions and Be Ready to Act in Event of Flash Flooding

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the State's efforts to monitor and respond to potential flooding caused by heavy rainfall in regions already impacted by recent flash flooding. The entire eastern part of the state remains under a Flood Watch through this evening, with Suffolk County currently under a flash flood warning. Since last night, Suffolk County has seen five inches of rain within a two-hour span, and Westchester and Putnam counties experienced rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour. While there are no current reports of significant or catastrophic flooding in these regions, Governor Hochul and her administration are keeping a close eye on any additional weather impacts and are well prepared to respond to flooding.

"With areas in the state undergoing flash flood warnings, I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is working tirelessly to ensure that we are prepared for any additional weather impacts during this time period."

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Heavy rain was reported in several counties over the last 24 hours and we're expecting more rain this evening into tomorrow. My team is tracking the forecast and any weather impacts this system will have across the state. We are well prepared to deploy additional personnel and assets to respond to assist our local first responders with flash flood incidents."

The entire eastern part of the state is currently under a Flood Watch, including the North Country, Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NY Alert, the State's free emergency alert system, at alert.ny.gov. County-by-county emergency information can be pushed by text or email.

In the wake of the storm, Department of Transportation highway maintenance crews and contractor forces, damage assessment and bridge inspection teams, have worked tirelessly to safely reopen state roads across Central New York, the North Country, Long Island and the Hudson Valley Regions.

With areas in the state undergoing flash flood warnings, I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions."

Roads Recently Reopened

Hudson Valley

Central New York

Hamilton County

Current Road Closures

The following roadways are expected to reopen in the next 24-48 hours, weather depending:

Additional State Agency Preparations

Department of TransportationThe State Department of Transportation is responding to the weather event with nearly 3,500 operators and supervisors available statewide. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

Thruway AuthorityThruway Authority staff is currently monitoring the weather forecast and has 653 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

Department of Public ServiceNew York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State PoliceState Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Department of Environmental ConservationDEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and weather forecasts, and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

With the potential for heavy rains, hikers in the Adirondacks are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails and trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information for the Adirondacks, particularly in the wake of recent flooding.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic PreservationNew York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster SuppliesHave disaster supplies on hand, including:

Flash Flooding

Lightning

Tornado

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: https://www.dhses.gov/safety.