Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency for all of New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region, as heavy rain continues to fall in the downstate region. A reported six inches of rain has fallen in Brooklyn, with peak rainfall amounts of three inches per hour, causing flash flooding with numerous storm-related travel and transit impacts ongoing as of Friday morning.
“I’m issuing a State of Emergency for New York City and the surrounding counties effective immediately, to help address the ongoing storm and flood response in impacted areas,” Governor Hochul said. “Our team is in close contact with our city and county partners and are prepared to provide any necessary support to keep New Yorkers safe.”
At Governor Hochul's direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services activated the State Emergency Operations Center to actively monitor storm conditions in real-time and support local governments’ requests for assistance. The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has also activated its Fire Operations Center to deploy flood rescue teams to both Nassau County and Westchester County to assist with flood emergency response.
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for most of the New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley regions. Flash Flood Warnings are being issued as conditions change. Coastal Flood Advisories are also in effect.
For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at 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.
Additional State Agency Response
New York State Department of Transportation
Ahead of the storm, Department of Transportation forces were actively clearing storm drains and gutters to make sure water continues to flow. Crews are now actively patrolling roads downstate and monitoring flood conditions, clearing downed trees and waiting for flood conditions to subside.
Flooding is occurring on roads throughout New York City.
In the Hudson Valley there are the following closures:
- Bronx River Parkway Both Directions, at Palmer Avenue, Yonkers
- Bronx River Parkway Both Directions, at Exit 21 - NY 119 - Tarrytown Road; Chatterton Avenue, White Plains
- Sprain Brook State Parkway Both Directions, between START ROUTE Sprain Brook State Parkway and Exit - NY 100, Eastchester
- Bronx River Parkway Northbound, at Cross County Parkway, Mount Vernon
- Sprain Brook State Parkway Northbound, at Jackson Avenue, Greenburgh
- NY 117 Both Directions, at Old House Lane, New Castle
- Saw Mill River Parkway Both Directions, between I-287; Ramp and Exit 20 - I-87, Greenburgh
On Long Island there are the following closures:
- All roads remain open
- Northern State Parkway eastbound at Meadowbrook State Parkway – left lane flooded, DOT on site
- Long Island Expressway North Service Road near Lakeville Road – all lanes flooded, but passable.
- Southern State Parkway westbound near the Cross Island Parkway/Belt Parkway interchange – left and center lanes flooded, DOT on site
- Tree removed from Wantagh State Parkway northbound at Sunrise Highway
- Wantagh State Parkway and Bay Parkway – flooding cleared
- Ramp from Crooked Hill Road to northbound Sagtikos State Parkway – flooding cleared; DOT on site and pumping
Monitor 511 for the latest road conditions in your area.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
MTA crews are in the system pumping water from the track area to restore safe, reliable service on subways and Metro-North Railroad. Long Island Rail Road service is operating on or close to schedule. Customers should allow extra time to travel if they must, and continue to check new.mta.info, the myMTA app and Train Time for real-time service information.
New York State Police
State Police is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with our partners in DHSES, NYSTA, DOT and other agencies. We have brought additional personnel in and are focusing our efforts on highways and other flood prone areas. We have a 6-member flood rescue team equipped with an Airboat & Rigid Inflatable Boat deployed in Westchester County and they are currently checking submerged vehicles in New Rochelle. Another flood rescue team is en route to Westchester to replace the current team there at 3:00 pm and we have a 3rd team preparing for deployment.
Department of Public Service
More than 2,000 customers in the downstate region are currently without power due to heavy rain. Damage assessment, repair and restoration crews from the utility companies are working to minimize and repair any impacts to energy sector infrastructure, and the Department of Public Service is in direct contact with utility operations leadership and tracking utility response and restoration efforts.
Flash Flooding Safety Tips
- 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.
For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.