July 16, 2023
Albany, NY

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State Preparations for Potential Flood Impacts as More Rain is Expected Today and Tomorrow

Suffolk County Under a Flash Flood Warning as Heavy Rain Continues to Impact Downstate Areas

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Has Equipment and Personnel on Standby for Flood Water Rescues, if Necessary

Governor Urges New Yorkers to Monitor Weather Conditions and Be Ready to Act in Event of Flash Flooding

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the State's efforts to monitor and respond to potential flooding caused by heavy rainfall in regions already impacted by recent flash flooding. The entire eastern part of the state remains under a Flood Watch through this evening, with Suffolk County currently under a flash flood warning. Since last night, Suffolk County has seen five inches of rain within a two-hour span, and Westchester and Putnam counties experienced rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour. While there are no current reports of significant or catastrophic flooding in these regions, Governor Hochul and her administration are keeping a close eye on any additional weather impacts and are well prepared to respond to flooding.

"With areas in the state undergoing flash flood warnings, I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is working tirelessly to ensure that we are prepared for any additional weather impacts during this time period."

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Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Heavy rain was reported in several counties over the last 24 hours and we're expecting more rain this evening into tomorrow. My team is tracking the forecast and any weather impacts this system will have across the state. We are well prepared to deploy additional personnel and assets to respond to assist our local first responders with flash flood incidents."

The entire eastern part of the state is currently under a Flood Watch, including the North Country, Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NY Alert, the State's free emergency alert system, at alert.ny.gov. County-by-county emergency information can be pushed by text or email.

In the wake of the storm, Department of Transportation highway maintenance crews and contractor forces, damage assessment and bridge inspection teams, have worked tirelessly to safely reopen state roads across Central New York, the North Country, Long Island and the Hudson Valley Regions.

With areas in the state undergoing flash flood warnings, I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions."

Governor Hochul

Roads Recently Reopened

Hudson Valley

  • U.S. Route 6/202 (Bear Mountain Bridge Road) is open in both directions between State Route 9D and U.S. Route 9 in the Town of Cortlandt, Westchester County
  • U.S. Route 9W is open in both directions with reduced lanes in the areas between Cornwall and the Stony Lonesome Gate entrance to West Point/Mountain Ave. This encompasses 4.8 miles of roadway including the major entrance into West Point from the north, restoring the main commuter route.
  • State Route 32 at Trout Brook Road, Town of Woodbury, Orange County is open with one lane of alternating traffic via a temporary signal.
  • U.S. Route 9W is open in both directions south of the Bear Mountain Bridge through Rockland County. This vital connection from Route 9W to Bear Mountain Circle, over the Bear Mountain Bridge to Route 6 (Goat Trail) has been re-established.
  • The Bridge Authority has reopened the Bear Mountain Bridge to all traffic.

Central New York

  • State Route 104 in Mexico, Oswego County has reopened to alternating traffic. It will be temporarily closed for up to two weeks for culvert repairs, starting early this week.
  • Route 69A in Oswego County has been fully reopened.

Hamilton County

  • Route 30/28N from Blue Mountain Lake to Long Lake in Hamilton County has reopened.
  • Route 30 from Long Lake, Hamilton County to the Franklin County line has reopened.
  • State Route 28N in the Town of Long Lake, Hamilton County has reopened to one-way, local traffic and emergency vehicles up to the bridge over Fishing Brook.

Current Road Closures

  • The bridge that carries State Route 28N over Fishing Brook in Hamilton County is currently closed due to significant structural damage. Department of Transportation engineers are working to construct a temporary structure to resume traffic in this area as quickly as possible.
  • The State Route 9W bridge over the Popolopen Creek in the Town Highlands, Orange County, is currently closed while state engineers work to implement a solution to reopen the bridge as quickly as possible. In the meantime, Route 9W is closed in both directions From Fort Montgomery to the Bear Mountain Circle due to bridge damage.
  • U.S. 9W is closed in the north and southbound directions at State Route 218/James O'Neill High School and Stoney Lonesome Gate/Mountain Ave, Highlands, Orange County due to washout and debris. This is expected to be a long-term closure.
  • State Route 980U is closed in the north and southbound directions between U.S. 9W and State Route 218, Highlands, Orange County due to road collapse. This is expected to be a long-term closure.
  • State Route 218 is closed in north and southbound directions between Storm King Highway and Town of Cornwall/Town of Highlands Line, Town of Cornwall, Orange County due to road collapse. This is expected to be a long-term closure.

The following roadways are expected to reopen in the next 24-48 hours, weather depending:

  • Palisades Parkway north and southbound directions between exit 15 and Bear Mountain Bridge, Town of Highlands, Rockland County.
  • U.S. 6 in both directions between State Route 293 and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, Woodbury, Orange County.
  • The Long Mountain Circle between U.S. Route 6 and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, re-establishing access from eastern Orange County with northern Rockland County via the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
  • State Route 116 between Norton Road and Hunt Lane in both directions, North Salem, Westchester County.
  • State Route 9A in both directions between Skyline Drive and Saw Mill River Parkway, Mount Pleasant, Westchester County.
  • State Route 35 Eastbound west of Mark Mead Road, Cross River, Westchester County.
  • Taconic State Parkway northbound, south of Exit 37A, East Fishkill, Dutchess County.
  • State Route 22 at Hurds Corners Road, Pawling, Dutchess County.
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Extreme Weather

Additional State Agency Preparations

Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is responding to the weather event with nearly 3,500 operators and supervisors available statewide. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

  • 1,404 large dump trucks
  • 321 large loaders
  • 82 chippers
  • 79 wheeled and tracked excavators
  • 32 traffic tower platforms
  • 20 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
  • 15 tree crew bucket trucks

Thruway Authority
Thruway Authority staff is currently monitoring the weather forecast and has 653 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

  • 354 Large and Small Dump Trucks
  • 60 Loaders
  • 31 Trailers
  • 5 Vac Trucks
  • 13 Excavators
  • 8 Brush Chippers
  • 100 Chainsaws
  • 23 Aerial Trucks
  • 21 Skid Steers
  • 83 Portable Generators
  • 68 Portable Light Units

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

Department of Public Service
New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. 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 are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and weather forecasts, and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

With the potential for heavy rains, hikers in the Adirondacks are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails and trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information for the Adirondacks, particularly in the wake of recent flooding.

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 parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

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.

Lightning

  • Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.
  • Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
  • If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

Tornado

  • If outdoors and a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
  • If at home or in a small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
  • If in a school, hospital, or shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
  • If in a high-rise building, go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use elevators — use stairs instead.

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: https://www.dhses.gov/safety.

Contact the Governor’s Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474 - 8418
New York City: (212) 681 - 4640

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