Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare for Heavy Rain and Urges New Yorkers to Exercise Caution Due to Potential for Flash Flooding

Heavy Rainfall Expected for Long Island, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Southern Tier With Flood Watches Currently In Place

Risk For Flash Flooding Has Been Elevated To Moderate With A 70 Percent Chance For Flash Flooding; Water Rescue Teams Being Staged in Mid-Hudson Later Today

Widespread Rainfall of Two to Four Inches of Total Rainfall Expected Downstate Through Monday Evening; Localized Totals Up to Five Inches of Rain Possible

Rainfall Rates Could Reach One to Two Inches Per Hours, Possibly Up to Three Inches Per Hour in Some Areas

Mid-Hudson and Long Island Continue To Recover From Strong Thunderstorms Last Night; More Than 82,000 Power Outages Statewide Due to Storms

New Yorkers Can Text Their County or Borough to 333111 To Receive Real Time Emergency and Weather Alert Texts Directly to Their Phone

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare for heavy rains and urged New Yorkers to exercise caution due to the potential for flooding. Starting this afternoon, rain will move in across New York State through Tuesday morning. Total rainfall amounts of two to four inches, with localized totals up to five inches, are possible for New York City, portions of Long Island, the Mid-Hudson and the Southern Tier. Heavy rainfall rates of up to one to two inches per hour can lead to flash flooding, especially in urban and poor drainage areas and if heavy rain repeatedly impacts an area. Some localized hourly rainfall rates may exceed more than three inches per hour. The risk for flash flooding has been elevated to moderate with a 70 percent chance for flash flooding. There is also a risk for severe thunderstorms today for New York City and portions of Long Island and the Mid-Hudson. Flood watches are currently in effect for Long Island, Mid-Hudson and New York City.

“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect heavy rainfall with a high potential for flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies have been readied and mobilized to respond to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

The Mid-Hudson and Long Island are currently recovering from a line of strong thunderstorms that rolled through late last night resulting in downed trees and loss of power. There are currently more than 82,000 outages across the state with outages peaking at 115,000 last night. The State’s Department of Transportation has been working with utility companies to clear trees and debris to ensure safe access for utility workers to begin work on restoration. Some road closures are still in effect due to debris removal and utility work — New Yorkers are urged to follow all local guidance on closures.

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.

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.

Tips to stay safe when there is the potential for flash flooding:

Before and During the Storm

• Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
• Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait — follow all orders promptly.
• Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don't Drown!”
• Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground.
• 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.
• Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
• Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
• Do not touch downed power lines.
• Keep your phone charged.
• Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

After Flood Waters Have Receded

• Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
• If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
• Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
• Do not touch downed power lines.

For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips.