State agencies in New York have been directed by Governor Kathy Hochul to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible localized flooding expected from Thursday into Friday. The forecast indicates that the Mid-Hudson, Long Island, and New York City regions could receive more than three inches of rain starting Thursday. There is also a chance the Capital Region could be affected if the storm changes direction. The weather system is expected to move slowly, with the most significant effects occurring where it settles.
Isolated strong thunderstorms are possible Wednesday evening in areas including the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island. These storms may bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, and large hail. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity are anticipated across the state over the weekend after the rain passes.
“As the forecast shifts from extreme heat to heavy rains, I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and use caution through the end of this week,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”
Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts as well as weather watches and warnings. Weather alerts can be found at https://alerts.weather.gov/. People should make sure emergency alerts are enabled on their phones and can sign up for real-time notifications by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
Several state agencies have outlined their preparations:
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is coordinating with local officials and preparing water rescue teams in Orange County and Ulster Counties. State stockpiles stand ready for deployment if needed.
The Department of Transportation has over 3,400 supervisors and operators prepared statewide along with a fleet that includes dump trucks, loaders, chippers, excavators, pumps, bucket trucks, tower platforms, vacuum trucks with sewer jets among other equipment. Real-time travel information is available at https://511ny.org/.
The Thruway Authority has nearly 700 operators equipped with various vehicles such as dump trucks and loaders ready to address wind or flood issues. Motorists can get updates via its mobile app or visit https://thruway.ny.gov/ for traffic maps.
Utilities regulated by the Department of Public Service have about 5,500 workers ready statewide for assessment and restoration efforts following any damage from flooding or storms.
New York State Police will deploy extra patrols as needed; four-wheel drive vehicles along with watercraft are staged for rapid response.
Department of Environmental Conservation staff—including police officers and forest rangers—are monitoring conditions closely. Swift water teams will be stationed in Hudson Valley beginning Thursday morning through Friday. Local governments are reminded they do not need DEC permits for debris removal unless stream banks or beds may be disturbed; emergency authorizations can expedite necessary projects when required.
Park visitors should check park hours before visiting due to potential closures; updates are available at https://parks.ny.gov/.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is inspecting drains in flood-prone areas ahead of time while positioning crews to respond quickly if service disruptions occur due to weather-related issues. Riders can find updates at https://mta.info/.
Port Authority facilities—including airports—are also preparing for impacts from severe weather; travelers should check flight status before leaving home via airline websites or FAA resources.
Flood safety reminders include knowing your area’s flood risk using FEMA maps (https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home), having an emergency plan that considers family members’ needs including pets or those requiring special assistance, documenting valuables securely against potential loss or damage from flooding events—noting that standard homeowners insurance does not cover floods—and following all official instructions during emergencies without delay.
