Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare and Urges Caution as Storm System Set to Impact Parts of State Tonight Through Friday

1-2 Inches of Rainfall Expected Across the State With Locally Higher Amounts Possible for Parts of Western New York, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island

Poor Drainage and Coastal Flooding Possible Across Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions

Wind Gusts Up to 50 Miles Per Hour Across New York City and Long Island Could Impact Travel and Cause Power Outages

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a storm system forecast to bring widespread rain and gusty winds Wednesday night into Friday for parts of the Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions. Rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are expected in many locations, with locally higher totals up to 2.5 inches. Poor drainage flooding will likely occur in parts of the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions, as well as minor to locally moderate coastal flooding. There is also the potential for 40-50 mile per hour wind gusts Thursday into Thursday night, mainly across New York City and Long Island, which could hamper travel and cause power outages.

“As this storm makes its way to New York tonight, I urge everyone to prepare for the forecasted high-speed wind gusts, heavy rainfall, flooding and possible power outages,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should text 333111 to check your local forecast, and stay vigilant as the storm passes.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

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 storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: 845-452-2700
• 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 www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.