Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Prepare as Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Move Into the State

 Many Locations Expected to Receive 2-4 Inches of Rain Through Tuesday with Potential Flooding Possible for Some, Particularly in Flood Prone Areas

High Winds in New York City and Long Island Could Cause Power Outages and Worsen Coastal Flooding Conditions

New Yorkers Should Monitor Weather and Prepare Households ThroughTuesday

Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers to stay prepared as a storm system moves up the eastern coast and enters New York. This significant system will impact most of the state through Tuesday with heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding, especially those in flood prone areas. The system is expected to produce 2-4 inches of rain and gusty winds in many locations, although parts of the eastern Catskills could see rainfall totals exceeding five inches. Rainfall rates are forecast to peak at 1-1.5 inches per hour during the storm’s duration, although there is the possibility for locally higher rates of rainfall at times. Flooding is likely in some locations, especially in the Mid-Hudson Valley, where recent rainfall and saturated ground is not able to absorb or hold the forecasted rainfall. Winds will be gusty, especially in New York City and Long Island, where gusts could reach 60 mph or more, especially in the far eastern portions of Long Island, which could cause power outages and worsen coastal flooding conditions. Governor Hochulcontinues to urge New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and gusty conditions, and to check on neighbors and family to ensure their safety through the storm.

“We have been tracking this storm system for several days and it remains on track to bring several inches of rain to New York, especially in the Mid-Hudson, where some places could see more than four inches of rain by Tuesday,” Governor Hochul said. “There is also a potential for very strong winds downstate in New York City and on Long Island, which could cause power outages. State agencies continue to monitor this system and are prepared to support our local partners. New Yorkers should continue to check the forecast for updates and take the steps necessary to stay safe.”

A Flood Watch is in effect for many locations through Monday evening. High Wind Warnings are in effect for Long Island, and Kings and Queens counties, and Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect for the coasts of Long Island and southern Queens County. 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 emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster 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

• 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.

Power Outages

• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
• To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

-Central Hudson: 800-527-2714

-Con Edison: 800-752-6633

-National Grid: 800-867-5222

-NYSEG: 800-572-1131

-O&R: 877-434-4100

-PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075

-RG&E: 800-743-1701

For more safety tips, go to https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.