Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding Through This Weekend

Moderate to Heavy Rain Event Through Saturday Could Cause Isolated Flash Flooding Across Most of the State

Two to Three Inches of Rain Expected Across Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and Capital Region Beginning Tonight Into Saturday

New Yorkers Can Text Their County or Borough of Residence to Triple Three Triple One — 333111 — To Receive Real-Time Emergency and Weather Alert Texts Directly to Their Phones

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding as parts of the state are forecast to be impacted by periods of heavy rain through this weekend. New Yorkers across the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and Capital Region could see up to 3 inches of rain beginning tonight into Saturday and are cautioned to be vigilant in impacted areas. Parts of the North Country, Finger Lakes and Central New York could see between 1 to 1.5 inches of rain. Following recent heavy rains, minor to moderate flooding could occur in these areas. The Governor also launched Triple Three Triple One today — a real-time text-based emergency and weather alert system. New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to text their county or borough of residence to 333111 to stay up-to-date on the rain and potential flooding expected this weekend.

“As heavy rains approach parts of the State, I’m directing State agencies to be on standby to support New Yorkers in the path of rainfall and potential flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “All New Yorkers should take out their phones and text their county or borough of residence to 333111 to sign up for our new emergency alert system and get real-time weather information — this is how we better prepare ourselves for inclement weather.”

Triple Three Triple One

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for the new text-based emergency and weather alert system — providing real-time updates and quickening preparedness during weather events. It’s easy to get started and free to sign up. New Yorkers can simply text the name of the county they’d like to receive alerts for to 333111. Once the text message is sent, users will automatically be enrolled and begin receiving emergency and weather alerts when they occur in their selected county. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. For example, StatenIsland. For the entire New York City metro area, text NewYorkCity. The system is not case sensitive. Users can also register to receive alerts for multiple counties by texting additional county names, one at a time. This will allow residents to stay up to date on alerts in areas where their loved ones may live. It is free to sign up for Triple Three Triple One and the service is available on all cellular carriers. Standard text messaging and data rates may apply.

Flood Watches and Warnings are currently in effect for several areas of the state. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. OEM has enhanced their monitoring, and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has activated the Fire Operations Center. Water rescue teams will be pre-staged to deploy if needed and state stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,649 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,503 large dump trucks
• 333 large loaders
• 89 chippers
• 85 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 33 water pumps
• 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
• 30 traffic tower platforms
• 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority has 658 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 353 Large and Small Dump Trucks
• 62 Loaders
• 31 Trailers
• 6 Vac Trucks
• 15 Excavators
• 9 Brush Chippers
• 101 Chainsaws
• 20 Aerial Trucks
• 27 Skid Steers
• 86 Portable Generators
• 66 Portable Light Units

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, formerly known as Twitter, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

 Flood Safety

• Know your area's type of flood risk — visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
• Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, document your belongings and valuables. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create digital, password-protected copies of important documents, pictures, and other items.
• Obtain flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding.
• Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
• If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait - follow all orders promptly.
• Traveling during a flood can be extremely dangerous. One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Never walk, swim or drive through flood waters. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don't Drown!”
• Consider those with access and functional needs to determine if they are prepared for a flood emergency where they live and work.

For more preparedness information and safety tips from DHSES, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips and Spring Safety Resources.