Governor Kathy Hochul will issue a state of emergency today for several New York counties, such as the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. This follows the National Weather Service (NWS) upgrade of the threat of flash flooding to moderate with a 70 percent possibility of major flooding.
The alert arrives as heavy rain, which could bring five inches in the highest-banded areas, threatens downstate New York, including the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island areas, beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing into Friday.
Rainfall intensities may be as high as two inches an hour, threatening to complicate the commute home on Thursday evening, with employers encouraged to let employees go early to minimize delays.
Flood watches have been issued for Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New York City through Friday afternoon, with the most rain anticipated to fall in three to six hours starting Thursday afternoon to night.
The NWS predicts one to three inches of rainfall to be widespread, with isolated spots potentially receiving five inches, and intensities of one to two inches per hour, with some reaching over two inches. This may make roads impassable, particularly near underpasses and low-draining areas, and flood basements and subway tunnels, overloading NYC sewers.
The Southern Tier, Capital Region, and Upper Mid-Hudson Regions can expect as much as two inches of rainfall, contributing to the statewide concern.
The state has dismissed non-essential staff in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties at 1:00 p.m. to reduce commute hazards.
“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”
