Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Potentially Heavy Rainfall and Tropical Storm Conditions This Weekend

Potential Tropical Cyclone Moving Up East Coast, Expected to Impact New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson Regions with Up to Two Inches or More of Rain and High Winds, Primarily on Saturday

New Yorkers Should Monitor Local Forecast, Prepare Households and Vehicles for Heavy Rain Impacts, Use Extra Caution When Traveling Especially Near Flooded Roadways and Infrastructure

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rainfall beginning as early as Friday evening and continuing into Saturday as a potential tropical cyclone makes its way up the east coast of the Atlantic. Up to two inches of rain or more, with locally higher amounts, are expected to arrive in New York on Saturday, along with gusty winds of 30-40 miles per hour and high surf, which may cause coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous rip currents. The low-pressure system has the potential to impact communities as far north as the Capital Region as well. Out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul directed her administration to prepare for weather impacts and stand ready to support local officials with emergency response.

“A weather system is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall and high winds, especially in New York City and Long Island, beginning on Saturday,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is fully prepared to respond to any weather-related emergencies and assist our local government partners. I urge all New Yorkers to monitor the weather forecast closely and prepare to act, if necessary, to protect yourself and others.”

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at 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.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We are closely tracking this system. It appears more than a wet, windy weekend is in store across the tri-state area. Now is the time to prepare for potential flooding and secure outdoor items that could be affected by strong winds. If you are traveling and encounter flooded roadways this weekend, do not walk or drive through them.”

Tropical Storm Safety Tips for New Yorkers

All New Yorkers should know how to track tropical storms and receive timely alerts that let them know what they need to do to stay safe, including evacuation. The best way to receive timely weather alerts is by signing up for NY-Alert, a free service that provides weather and other emergency-related alerts.

Take the following steps to ensure you and your loved ones are protected:

• Develop a household disaster plan and know how to contact family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the "emergency family contact" and make certain all family members have the contact info.
• Designate an emergency meeting spot - a familiar location where family can meet if the residence cannot be accessed.
• Know hurricane and storm risks in your community.
• If you live near coastal areas, learn about your area's storm surge history and your community's warning signals and evacuation plans, including safe routes inland and the location of official shelters.
• Know where to relocate pets during a storm - most shelters will not allow pets.
• Keep the following supplies on-hand:
• Enough non-perishable food and water supplies for 10 days.
• Battery-operated radios and flashlights and an ample supply of batteries.
• A first aid with supply of medicines.
• Important documents: Insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. in a waterproof container.
• Cash, checkbook, credit cards and ATM cards.
• An emergency contact list of people and organizations who may need to be called: schools, doctors, providers, and insurance contacts.
• Take the following preventative measures:
• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
• Repair loose and clear clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
• Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become projectiles in high winds. Also keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Review insurance policies to determine extent of coverage before a storm strikes.
• Determine where to move boats in an emergency.
• Be aware of local weather conditions by listening to National Weather Service broadcasts on NOAA Weather Radio and reports from local television and radio stations.
• Know how to turn off the power, heat and water at home.