Severe Storms Raise Risk of Localized Flash Flooding

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take caution ahead of widespread storms that can bring severe thunderstorms and heavy rains. Total rainfall is expected to be 1-3 inches statewide, with isolated areas receiving more. Rainfall rates could be heavy with 1-2 inches or more per hour in the heaviest storms causing localized flash flooding, especially in urban or low-lying areas. There is a slight risk for flash flooding across portions of the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island, and there are already flood watches in effect. The strongest storms and heaviest rain are expected to start this afternoon and has the potential for damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, hail, and flash flooding.

“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we experience widespread storms this afternoon that can be severe and cause flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are ready and mobilized to keep New Yorkers safe, and I encourage everyone to stay weather aware and monitor their local forecast.”

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.

New York State agencies are taking actions to respond to the forecasted heavy rain, including:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center, New York’s 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

To receive real-time weather and emergency alerts, New Yorkers are encouraged to text the name of their county or borough to 333111.

Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,413 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,408 large dump trucks
• 311 large loaders
• 93 chippers
• 88 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 34 water pumps
• 31 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
• 29 traffic tower platforms
• 18 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 is prepared to respond to weather-related impacts across the state, with personnel and equipment positioned to address storm-related conditions. Resources include small and medium-sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable message boards, light towers, generators, pumps, equipment-hauling trailers and traffic control devices to support detours and closures as needed. Variable Message Signs and social media channels are used to keep motorists informed of changing conditions.

Motorists are encouraged to download the newly redesigned NYS Thruway mobile app, available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides access to real-time traffic information and live traffic cameras, service area information, toll calculator, roadside assistance requests and E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail information. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, or visit thruway.ny.gov for the latest travel information and an interactive statewide traffic map.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,897 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State. This includes an additional 397 mutual aid workers secured by NYSEG currently working in the Southern Tier. The utilities will work with the local, county, and state transportation agencies to navigate closed roadways in any areas experiencing flooding. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service, and all watercraft and specialty vehicles are staged and ready for deployment.

Department of Environmental Conservation

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding. DEC will stage swiftwater teams in the Hudson Valley.

DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC's Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit the Parks website, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues. To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding, MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response. Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles.

Based on the current weather forecast, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Tuesday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. The ban is expected to be in place until at least 10:00 p.m., July 21. Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay Bridge, Marine Parkway Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, and the Henry Hudson Bridge will remain open, but may close depending on wind conditions.

Customers are encouraged to check mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and the TrainTime app.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring weather forecasts and is working with airport terminal operators and other airport partners in preparation. Air travelers should check with their airlines for updated information on their flights or check the Federal Aviation Administration website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure airport before leaving for the airport and allow for additional travel time. Motorists who use the Port Authority’s six bridges and tunnels are strongly encouraged to sign up for email alerts, bus riders can use the MyTerminal app for real-time alerts on bus service at the Midtown Bus Terminal, or for PATH riders, check train service information via the PATH mobile app, RidePATH.