ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo urged New Yorkers Monday to prepare for potential flooding—especially for those in flood-prone areas in the Finger Lakes, Central New York and Southern Tier.
Coastal communities in New York City and Long Island could also experience minor coastal flooding during periods of high tide. The State’s Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor this period of heavy rain and tropical storm activity in the Atlantic Ocean. With hurricane activity increasing, all New Yorkers should ready emergency supplies in the event a tropical storm system impacts New York State.
“Heavy rain continues to move into the state today and early tomorrow which could cause additional flooding in areas that were devastated by flash flooding only weeks ago,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are prepared and ready to help communities tackle whatever Mother Nature brings our way. I urge all New Yorkers living in affected areas to stay informed and plan ahead to stay safe.”
The state’s ten regional stockpiles are prepared to deploy key resources to assist with any flooding issues should they occur. Currently, stockpiles are equipped with:
Approximately 700 generators
Over 200 light towers
Over 1,250 pumps
Over 1.8 million sandbags
18 sandbaggers
Over 438,000 bottles and cans of water
Over 28,500 ready to eat meals
9,650 cots
12,340 blankets and 13,613 pillows
6,771 feet of Aquadam
Rain first began to move through the state yesterday evening and has moved into western, central and downstate regions of the state. The rain will continue moving slowly east through tomorrow morning. Total rainfall of one-to-three inches is expected through Tuesday morning with the higher amounts in the Southern Tier.
Ponding of water on roadways is possible with the heavier rains which could make driving difficult. While widespread thunderstorms are not expected, severe thunderstorms are possible for Ulster and Dutchess Counties, which could bring gusty winds that could down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages in the Mid-Hudson Valley.
Flood Watches have been issued by the National Weather Service in parts of Western New York, the Southern Tier, Central New York, and the western portions of the Mohawk Valley through Tuesday morning. In the New York City and Long Island Regions, minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible during the times of high tide through this evening, especially in Queens and Nassau Counties. A coastal flood warning has been issued until midnight tonight for these counties.
The state’s Strategic Stockpiles are staffed and equipment has been prepared for deployment as necessary. The New York State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 4 activation, indicating Enhanced monitoring through Tuesday.
As rains intensify, the National Weather Service may issue additional weather watches and warnings.
