Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to declare a State of Emergency for several counties in New York due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and the potential for localized flooding from Thursday into Friday. The affected areas include the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island regions, where torrential rain is expected to begin this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches for New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon.
Significant rainfall is also anticipated in the Southern Tier and Capital Regions. Roadway and rail travel are likely to be disrupted during the Thursday evening commute. Employers in impacted areas have been advised to release employees early to avoid delays and ensure safe travel.
The State of Emergency will cover Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties. Non-essential state employees in several counties were released at 1:00 p.m.
“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”
Forecasts indicate one to three inches of rain across much of the region with some areas possibly receiving up to five inches. Rainfall rates could reach one or two inches per hour during peak periods Thursday afternoon or evening. Most precipitation is expected within a three- to six-hour window from Thursday afternoon through night.
Flash flooding may occur during rush hour with water level rises possible on waterways. Roads without proper drainage or underpasses may become impassable due to flooding. There is also risk of subway flooding and overwhelmed sewer systems in New York City.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts via resources such as https://alerts.weather.gov/ for updates on watches and warnings.
New Yorkers should enable government emergency alerts on their mobile devices and can sign up for real-time notifications by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
State agencies have prepared resources ahead of the storm:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has its Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinating with local counterparts.
– Water rescue teams from various agencies are staged in Orange County and Ulster Counties.
– The Department of Transportation has more than 3,400 supervisors and operators ready statewide along with equipment such as dump trucks and loaders.
– For travel information during severe weather events motorists can visit https://511ny.org/.
– The Thruway Authority has over 600 staff prepared with equipment including dump trucks and generators; drivers can access live traffic updates using its app or follow @ThruwayTraffic on X.
– Utilities across New York have about 5,500 workers available for damage assessment and repairs.
– State Police have deployed extra patrols with specialty vehicles ready.
– The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has swift water teams activated in the Hudson Valley; municipalities are reminded that DEC permits may not be required for debris removal unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed.
– Park police are monitoring conditions at state parks; visitors should check https://parks.ny.gov/ or use mobile apps for updates.
– MTA crews are inspecting drains at flood-prone locations; riders should check https://mta.info/ for service updates.
– The Port Authority is working with airport partners; travelers should check airline websites or https://www.faa.gov/ before heading out.
Officials urge residents not to walk or drive through floodwaters—just one foot can sweep away a vehicle—and remind everyone: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Residents should know evacuation routes ahead of time by consulting FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home/, prepare an emergency plan including go bags with medications if needed, keep phones charged, help neighbors who may need assistance during emergencies, avoid downed power lines at all times—and after waters recede only return when authorities say it is safe.
For additional preparedness tips visit https://www.dhses.ny.gov/. Flood safety guidance is also available from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-spring.
