Governor Hochul Cautions New Yorkers of Possible Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Conditions as Remnants of Debby Approach State

 

Heavy Rain Could Cause River Flooding and Flash Flooding, Especially in Urban and Poor Drainage Areas, Across Most of State

Most Areas Will See 2-4 Inches of Rain; North Country, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier Regions Could See Up to Five Inches of Rain by Friday Night

New York City, Long Island, and Lower Mid-Hudson Regions Could See Some Isolated Severe Storms, Damaging Winds, and Brief Tornadoes

Governor Kathy Hochul today cautioned New Yorkers as parts of the state are forecasted to be impacted by the remnants of Debby with heavy rain and potential river and flash flooding. Starting around midday Friday, Debby is expected to merge with another storm system, producing between 2–4 inches of rainfall with locally heavier amounts of 3–5 inches for parts of the North Country, Central NY, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Capital, Mid-Hudson, and Southern Tier regions. The heaviest rain is forecast to begin Friday afternoon and continue into the evening, and the heaviest rainfall totals are expected in parts of the southern Adirondacks, the eastern Catskills, and Central New York. Heavy rain may cause flooding of urban or poor-drainage areas, as well as flash floods and river flooding. For the New York City, Long Island, and lower Mid-Hudson regions, there is the potential for isolated severe storms with damaging winds gusts and brief tornadoes, ahead of the cold front beginning Friday afternoon through Friday night. Wind gusts up to 35 to 45 mph are possible along the coast, which could result in tree damage and power outages. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor the storm’s track as a shift in its direction could cause impacts in different locations of the state.

“As we prepare for flood conditions, it is critical that New Yorkers monitor their local forecasts and take proper precautions,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration will continue to monitor and deploy necessary resources to impacted areas across the state.”

Flood Watches have been issued for many areas of the state through Saturday. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

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 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.

For more safety tips, visit the DHSES website.