New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to stay alert and prepare as a strong coastal storm is forecasted to impact much of the state starting Sunday afternoon. The storm, which has intensified while moving up the mid-Atlantic coast toward southern New England, is expected to bring significant coastal flooding, strong winds, and prolonged rainfall to Downstate New York.
“As this strong coastal storm approaches, New Yorkers need to heed the precautionary measures and monitor their local forecasts,” Governor Hochul said. “With high wind warnings and flood risks, staying alert, vigilant and taking steps to prepare is crucial for everyone’s safety. Our state agencies are at-the-ready to assist New Yorkers from any impacts the strong coastal storm will bring.”
Utilities have increased their readiness by adding more than 1,600 workers in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island regions. These workers will support storm response operations such as damage assessment, repair, and restoration efforts. Con Edison, Orange and Rockland, PSEG Long Island, Central Hudson Gas and Electric, and NYSEG are actively monitoring weather developments and preparing for possible impacts within their service areas.
Additional utility preparations include activating incident command centers, staging equipment, contacting life support equipment customers and critical facilities in at-risk areas, and coordinating with municipal officials. Utility crews are ready to respond overnight where conditions permit. Statewide, utilities now have about 7,118 workers available for emergency response.
The National Weather Service has issued Coastal Flood Warnings for Long Island, New York City, and Southern Westchester County from noon Sunday through 8 p.m. Monday. There is an increased risk of moderate to major flooding in south shore bays of Nassau and southwestern Suffolk counties during high tides until Monday. Other areas may experience minor to moderate flooding with possible dune erosion along Atlantic beaches.
A High Wind Warning is in effect for much of Suffolk County from noon Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 miles per hour across Long Island, New York City, and Southern Westchester County. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will ban empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks on its seven bridges starting at 3:00 p.m. Sunday until 6:00 p.m. Monday due to high wind concerns.
Rainfall totals are projected between 1.5 and 3 inches in lower Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island regions with possible minor flooding from poor drainage. Northern Mid-Hudson and southern Capital Regions may see up to 1.5 inches of rain; other parts of the state should expect less than an inch.
State agencies have mobilized resources in anticipation of the storm’s impact:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is coordinating with local partners.
– The Department of Transportation has more than 3,400 supervisors and operators ready statewide with crews clearing drains ahead of potential flooding.
– The Thruway Authority has over 650 personnel prepared with equipment for wind or flood-related issues.
– State Police have deployed extra patrols in affected areas.
– The Department of Environmental Conservation is monitoring conditions closely alongside local officials.
– The Office of Parks has reinforced vulnerable infrastructure at Jones Beach State Park.
– The MTA is inspecting drains at flood-prone locations while keeping elevator specialists on standby.
– The Port Authority continues weather monitoring across all facilities.
Residents are encouraged to enable government emergency alerts on mobile devices or sign up for real-time updates by texting their county or borough name to 333111. For comprehensive weather alerts visit alerts.weather.gov.
Safety recommendations include having disaster supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, food, water, medicines, cash or cards ready; avoiding flooded roads; unplugging appliances during outages; closing off unused rooms if heat fails; and contacting utility companies directly in case of power loss.
For further safety tips visit www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.
