Governor Hochul: “Remember, we're expecting up to four inches of rain tomorrow. So, combining that with the multiple inches of melted snow, we're talking about a very dangerous combination. Let me be clear, this will be an emergency, it will be serious, and we're urging all New Yorkers to exercise extreme caution at this time.”
Hochul: “We are prepositioning over 8,800 utility workers and 75 massive generators to be able to handle any power outages that affect traffic signals… But tomorrow's storm is different, and we're taking it very seriously. Our State Operations Center is already functioning, and we'll be providing New Yorkers with the best possible information from our brand-new State Weather Risk Communication Center that gives us up to the minute details on where the rain will fall and whether or not it's vulnerable to flooding.”
Good morning, New Yorkers. I'm here to warn you about a significant flooding event that will hit our state today. The risk is significant, parts of the Hudson Valley will have a 70 percent chance of flash flooding. If that doesn't sound serious, remember last year when we saw the 1,000-year flooding event in Highland Falls? That was a 70 percent chance of flash flooding. Remember when we saw the flash flooding in September in New York City? That also had a 70 percent chance of flash flooding. So, that's the risk level we're dealing with right now.
So, as we speak, state officials are closely monitoring forecasts and preparing for every possible outcome. So,joining me live from the Emergency Operations Center are Commissioner Jackie Bray, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and Commissioner Basil Seggos from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Now make no mistake, this could be a life-threatening storm. It is a statewide event, but it's hitting the different regions of our state very differently.
Let's go region by region. Right now, the biggest concern is flash flooding. With a 70 percent chance of flash flooding in the Hudson Valley starting Tuesday night, but the rain will start around noon tomorrow. That could last several days. We're expecting as much as 4 inches of rain. That's the equivalent of 4 feet of snow. But the problem is when you combine that with the fact that parts of the Hudson Valley already got 18 inches of snow yesterday, that could lead to very dangerous conditions. And in New York City and Long Island, in addition to the rain, we expect wind to be hitting gusts as high as 60 miles an hour, leading to moderate coastal flooding.
Now over in Western New York, Central New York, and the North Country, our biggest concern are the high winds. Wind gusts could be as high as 70 miles an hour, especially off of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. That's nearly as strong as a category one hurricane. That could lead to widespread power outages from power lines or trees that fall from the wind. And that's why right now we are prepositioning over 8,800 utility workers and 75 massive generators to be able to handle any power outages that affect traffic signals.
Now, I know you've heard weather warnings from me before, just yesterday we were talking about a massive snow event, and we were able to handle this weekend's snow event very well. But tomorrow's storm is different, and we're taking it very seriously. Our State Operations Center is already functioning, and we'll be providing New Yorkers with the best possible information from our brand-new State Weather Risk Communication Center that gives us up to the minute details on where the rain will fall and whether or not it's vulnerable to flooding.
As we've said before, flash floods can be extremely dangerous. So, we're pre-deploying four SWIFT water rescue teams from state agencies. The DOT and Thruway Authority are proactively checking and clearing storm drains and culverts. Digital billboards are being used to warn drivers right now as well.
Here's some safety tips. We still have time, that's the good news. And I appreciate you listening to these warnings. We have about 24 hours before the major part of the storm hits, so now is the time to prepare. If you live in an area that typically floods, and much of our state is in flood zones, take some time to put together a go bag with your medication, your prescription, phone chargers, clothes and snacks. Think about the best route to take in an unlikely event of evacuation. And here's my best advice, please stay off the roads. As the saying goes, “Turn around, don't drown.” I've said before, the vast majority of deaths during extreme flooding events come from individuals stuck in their cars – six inches of swiftly moving water can make you lose control of the steering wheel or even knock you off your feet and two feet of water could literally sweep your car away.
Remember, we're expecting up to four inches of rain tomorrow. So, combining that with the multiple inches of melted snow, we're talking about a very dangerous combination. Let me be clear, this will be an emergency, it will be serious, and we're urging all New Yorkers to exercise extreme caution at this time.
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