Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Heavy Rain, Flash Flooding Today Through Wednesday

Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Could See Up to Five Inches of Rain by Wednesday

Up to Three Inches of Rain Per Hour and Flash Flooding Possible and Isolated Severe Thunderstorms Could Produce Damaging Wind Gusts

Potential for Transportation Disruptions, Flooding of Residences and Basements, and Power Outages

100 National Guard Members And Additional Agency Resources Deployed to Impacted Regions 

Governor Hochul today urged New Yorkers in the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island areas to prepare for heavy rain and likely flash flooding starting this afternoon and continuing into Wednesday. Some areas could see up to five inches of rain and rainfall rates up to three inches per hour into Wednesday. Governor Hochul also warned of additional heavy rain possible Thursday into Saturday due to tropical moisture associated with Tropical Cyclone Debby.

“New York is no stranger to extreme weather and the potential danger of flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is monitoring closely and deploying resources to keep New Yorkers safe, and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and watch the forecast closely over the next several days.”

Heavy rain will begin this afternoon in the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions with up to two inches of widespread rain and locally heavier amounts up to five inches possible in some locations by Wednesday. Rain could fall at rates up to two inches per hour with local rainfall rates up to three inches at times. Significant flash flooding may occur in areas with high rainfall rates. There is also a risk for isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging winds gusts this afternoon and evening. Flash flooding of urban and poor drainage areas and along rivers and streams are possible, as well as impacts to transportation, basements, first floors of residences and businesses, and underground infrastructure, as well as power outages.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

At Governor Hochul's direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to track the storm in real-time and support local governments’ requests for assistance. The State’s swift water rescue teams are being pre-staged downstate, and all state stockpiles are ready to deploy resources as needed. The New York State Fire Operations Center will open today to support state agency operations and receive any requests submitted via the State Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid plan.

Division of Military and Naval Affairs

The New York National Guard will mobilize 100 Soldiers and Airmen with 25 high-axle vehicles to provide assistance to New York City and local governments on Long Island if required. Eighty personnel and 20 vehicles will be positioned at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and JFK International Airport. Twenty Airmen and five vehicles will be on call at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.

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 a 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.

Power Outage Safety Tips:

If experiencing a power outage, New Yorkers should:

• Turn off or disconnect major appliances and other equipment, e.g., computers, in case of a momentary power surge that can damage these devices. Keep one light turned on so you know when power returns. Consider using surge protectors wherever you use electronic equipment.
• Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. For a list of utilities, visit the State Department of Public Service.
• Check to see if your neighbors have power. Check on people with access or functional needs.
• Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire.
• Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed - most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four (4) hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
• Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat - they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
• If you are in a tall building, take the stairs and move to the lowest level of the building. If trapped in an elevator, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to force the doors open. Remain patient - there is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety.
• Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive during a blackout, remember to obey the 4-way stop rule at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
• Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not be working.

For more safety tips, visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.