Extended period of severe weather and rainfall anticipated this week

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged New Yorkers, especially those living in the Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region and Mid-Hudson Valley, to prepare for potential flooding this week. Due to an extended period of wet weather from deep tropical moisture moving up the coast, heavy downpours and thunderstorms are expected through at least Wednesday. Heavy rainfall could produce flash flooding and rainfall may exceed one inch per hour at times, which may cause road washouts.

“As the rain moves in and flash flooding is possible, New Yorkers should prepare to use caution and allow extra time when traveling this week,” Governor Cuomo said. “I urge New Yorkers to have an emergency plan in place at work and at home, subscribe to NY-Alert for real-time notifications, and to follow your local forecasts as these storms are fast-moving and can cause serious damage and flooding.”

A deep tropical system is moving up the coast and setting up periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms, which will bring an increased risk of flooding this week. In the lower Capital and Mid-Hudson Valley Regions, heavy rain showers have already produced three to five inches of rainfall this morning. Heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue into the afternoon. 

Additional rainfall amounts of one to three inches are possible, which may produce flash flooding and flooding of small streams. Residents in Central New York, the Southern Tier, the Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, and the Mid-Hudson Valley should stay tuned to local media outlets for the latest weather forecast. 

Currently, the National Weather Service has issued the following watches and warnings:

• In the Southern Tier, a flash flood warning is in effect for Eastern Schuyler County until 5:30 p.m.
• In the Capital Region and Mid-Hudson Valley, a flash flood watch is in effect in Western Albany, Western Greene, and Western Ulster counties until 5 p.m.
• In the Southern Tier, Central New and Mid-Hudson Valley, there is a flash flood watch for Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins counties until Wednesday evening. 

For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings, visit the National Weather Service website.

If traveling during heavy rain, please drive with care and keep these safety tips in mind:

• DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
• Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads.
• Follow recommended routes. DO NOT ignore emergency detours to view flooded areas. 
• As you travel, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local radio broadcasts for the latest information.
• Watch for washed-out roads, earth-slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.
• Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
• If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately. 

Prepare for flooding and severe weather

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
• Develop and practice a ‘family escape’ plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
• Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water-proofing

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

For more safety tips for all types of weather events, visit the DHSES website at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/index.cfm