Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding Starting Sunday

 Areas in Mid-Hudson, Capital District and Long Island Regions Could Receive Three Inches or More of Rain Through Tuesday Morning

Flooding Expected in Areas Previously Impacted by Recent Multiple Rain Events

Strong Winds Up to 50 MPH in New York City and on Long Island Could Cause Power Outages

New Yorkers Should Monitor Weather and Ensure Households are Prepared

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a weather system this weekend that is poised to produce up to three inches of rain and cause flooding in parts of the Mid-Hudson Valley, including the eastern Catskills, southern Capital Region, and potentially parts of Long Island. The system is expected to produce up to three inches of rain in these locations with isolated higher amounts possible beginning Sunday and potentially continuing into Tuesday morning. Some flooding is expected during this event, especially in areas which have already experienced multiple rain events over the past week, and locations along the Hudson River which could reach flood stage this weekend. In addition, strong winds up to 50 mph in New York City and Long Island could cause local power outages. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor updated weather forecasts and act now to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding.

“We are closely tracking a weather system that is bringing high winds and rain to regions across the State, posing a risk of flooding and power outages for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “I have directed state agencies to monitor the weather system as it develops, and I urge all New Yorkers to take safety precautions and to check the forecast throughout the weekend and into early next week.”

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.

State Agency Preparations

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division is actively monitoring the weather forecast and coordinating the State's response to the weather event. Office of Emergency Management staff are in contact with local counterparts and are prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.

The Division is prepared to deploy the following assets and shelter supplies from the State's stockpiles, if necessary:

• 1,526 generators
• 536 chainsaws
• 954 portable heaters
• 48,636 MREs
• 345,432 bottles & cans of water
• 7,877 cots
• 8,149 blankets
• 11,220 pillows

New York State Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond to the weather event with over 3,600 operators and supervisors available statewide.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,588 large dump trucks
• 340 large loaders
• 92 chippers
• 14 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
• 98 water pumps

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org or the mobile site at m.511ny.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority staff is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is proactively inspecting storm drains and rock slopes, and ensuring equipment is ready to deploy to any wind, flood or weather-related issues. The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 688 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 353 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 64 loaders
• More than 128,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

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.