December 15, 2023
Albany, NY

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding Starting Sunday

Areas in Mid-Hudson, Capital District and Long Island Regions Could Receive Three Inches or More of Rain Through Tuesday Morning

Flooding Expected in Areas Previously Impacted by Recent Multiple Rain Events

Strong Winds Up to 50 MPH in New York City and on Long Island Could Cause Power Outages

New Yorkers Should Monitor Weather and Ensure Households are Prepared

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a weather system this weekend that is poised to produce up to three inches of rain and cause flooding in parts of the Mid-Hudson Valley, including the eastern Catskills, southern Capital Region, and potentially parts of Long Island. The system is expected to produce up to three inches of rain in these locations with isolated higher amounts possible beginning Sunday and potentially continuing into Tuesday morning. Some flooding is expected during this event, especially in areas which have already experienced multiple rain events over the past week, and locations along the Hudson River which could reach flood stage this weekend. In addition, strong winds up to 50 mph in New York City and Long Island could cause local power outages. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor updated weather forecasts and act now to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding.

“We are closely tracking a weather system that is bringing high winds and rain to regions across the State, posing a risk of flooding and power outages for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “I have directed state agencies to monitor the weather system as it develops, and I urge all New Yorkers to take safety precautions and to check the forecast throughout the weekend and into early next week.”

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 emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

State Agency Preparations
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division is actively monitoring the weather forecast and coordinating the State's response to the weather event. Office of Emergency Management staff are in contact with local counterparts and are prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.

The Division is prepared to deploy the following assets and shelter supplies from the State's stockpiles, if necessary:

  • 1,526 generators
  • 536 chainsaws
  • 954 portable heaters
  • 48,636 MREs
  • 345,432 bottles & cans of water
  • 7,877 cots
  • 8,149 blankets
  • 11,220 pillows

New York State Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond to the weather event with over 3,600 operators and supervisors available statewide.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

  • 1,588 large dump trucks
  • 340 large loaders
  • 92 chippers
  • 14 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
  • 98 water pumps

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org or the mobile site at m.511ny.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority
Thruway Authority staff is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is proactively inspecting storm drains and rock slopes, and ensuring equipment is ready to deploy to any wind, flood or weather-related issues. The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 688 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

  • 353 large and medium duty plow trucks
  • 11 tow plows
  • 64 loaders
  • More than 128,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

New York State Department of Public Service
Utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in repair and restoration efforts for the winter weather system. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utility companies shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact. If your service is interrupted, visit the DPS Utility Service Interruptions website for tips.

New York State Police
State Police are monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to deploy additional Troopers as needed. All State Police four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles, including snowmobiles and utility terrain vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response, and all emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation. All available assets are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

New York State 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. Response equipment is being fueled, tested, and prepared for storm response use. Park visitors should check https://parks.ny.gov 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, including removal of any downed trees that may fall across tracks.

Based on the current weather forecast, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Sunday, December 17, at 10:00 p.m. The ban is expected to be in place until 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 18.

Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge will be closed during this time. Pedestrian walkways at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Henry Hudson Bridge will remain open as weather conditions permit.

Customers are encouraged to check https://new.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's apps: MYmta and TrainTime.

Port Authority
The Port Authority monitors weather conditions across all its facilities. In the event of severe weather conditions, the agency issues regular travel alerts and updates as needed. For the latest information about Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA alerts or download one of the PA mobile apps, including RidePATH, which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.

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.

Power Outages

  • Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
  • Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
  • If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
  • To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
    • Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
    • Con Edison: 800-752-6633
    • National Grid: 800-867-5222
    • NYSEG: 800-572-1131
    • O&R: 877-434-4100
    • PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
    • RG&E: 800-743-1701

For more safety tips, go to https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.

Contact the Governor’s Press Office

Contact us by phone:

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

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