Governor Hochul today urged New Yorkers in the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island areas to prepare for heavy rain and likely flash flooding starting this afternoon and continuing into Wednesday. Some areas could see up to five inches of rain and rainfall rates up to three inches per hour into Wednesday. Governor Hochul also warned of additional heavy rain possible Thursday into Saturday due to tropical moisture associated with Tropical Cyclone Debby.
“New York is no stranger to extreme weather and the potential danger of flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is monitoring closely and deploying resources to keep New Yorkers safe, and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and watch the forecast closely over the next several days.”
Heavy rain will begin this afternoon in the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions with up to two inches of widespread rain and locally heavier amounts up to five inches possible in some locations by Wednesday. Rain could fall at rates up to two inches per hour with local rainfall rates up to three inches at times. Significant flash flooding may occur in areas with high rainfall rates. There is also a risk for isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging winds gusts this afternoon and evening. Flash flooding of urban and poor drainage areas and along rivers and streams are possible, as well as impacts to transportation, basements, first floors of residences and businesses, and underground infrastructure, as well as power outages.
Agency Preparations
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
At Governor Hochul's direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to track the storm in real-time and support local governments’ requests for assistance. The State’s swift water rescue teams are being pre-staged downstate, and all state stockpiles are ready to deploy resources as needed. The New York State Fire Operations Center will open today to support state agency operations and receive any requests submitted via the State Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid plan.
Division of Military and Naval Affairs
The New York National Guard will mobilize 100 Soldiers and Airmen with 25 high-axle vehicles to provide assistance to New York City and local governments on Long Island if required. Eighty personnel and 20 vehicles will be positioned at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and JFK International Airport. Twenty Airmen and five vehicles will be on call at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.
Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with more than 3,429 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond and can be configured into any type of response crews needed such as flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc. All residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed with operators, supervisors, and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.
Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:
- 1,415 large dump trucks
- 322 large loaders
- 89 chippers
- 84 wheeled and tracked excavators
- 33 traffic tower platforms
- 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
- 11 tree crew bucket trucks
Thruway Authority
Thruway Authority staff is monitoring the weather and inspecting drainage systems, and is ready to respond to any flood related issues across the state with 671 operators and supervisors, 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:
- 346 large and small dump trucks
- 63 loaders
- 34 trailers
- 6 vac trucks
- 13 excavators
- 7 brush chippers
- 100 chainsaws
- 22 aerial trucks
- 25 skid steers
- 86 portable generators
- 70 portable light units
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 X, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.
New York State Department of Public Service
New York's utilities have approximately 5,600 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event, including 85 additional workers secured by Con Edison and Orange & Rockland. 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 Police
State 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 Conservation
Department of 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.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New 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.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues. To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding, MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response. Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles.
Customers are encouraged to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and the TrainTime app.
Port Authority
The Port Authority monitors weather conditions across all its facilities. In the event of severe weather, the agency issues travel alerts and updates as needed via facility email alerts and on social media. For the latest information about Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA Alerts, or download one of the PA mobile apps, including RidePATH, which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.
Severe Weather Safety Tips
Disaster Supplies:
Have supplies on hand, including:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards
Flash Flooding Safety Tips:
- Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
- If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
- Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips:
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.
- Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
- If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
- Get out of boats and away from water.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
- Do not take a bath or shower.
- Turn off air conditioners — power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
- Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible.
- Do not attempt to drive to safety — most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.
- If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.
- If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees.
- If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.
Power Outage Safety Tips:
If experiencing a power outage, New Yorkers should:
- Turn off or disconnect major appliances and other equipment, e.g., computers, in case of a momentary power surge that can damage these devices. Keep one light turned on so you know when power returns. Consider using surge protectors wherever you use electronic equipment.
- Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. For a list of utilities, visit the State Department of Public Service.
- Check to see if your neighbors have power. Check on people with access or functional needs.
- Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire.
- Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed - most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four (4) hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
- Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat - they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
- If you are in a tall building, take the stairs and move to the lowest level of the building. If trapped in an elevator, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to force the doors open. Remain patient - there is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety.
- Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.
- Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive during a blackout, remember to obey the 4-way stop rule at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
- Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not be working.
For more safety tips, visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.