Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to declare a State of Emergency for several counties in New York due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and the risk of localized flooding from Thursday into Friday. The affected regions include downstate New York, with the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island areas expected to receive the most significant impact. The National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches for New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon.
The declaration covers the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and adjacent counties. Non-essential state employees in New York City and several other counties were released at 1:00 p.m.
“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding,” 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.”
Weather forecasts indicate one to three inches of rain across wide areas with local amounts possibly reaching five inches. Rainfall rates may reach up to two inches per hour during peak periods Thursday afternoon or evening. Most precipitation is expected within a three- to six-hour window from Thursday afternoon through Thursday night.
Travel is likely to be disrupted during the Thursday evening commute due to possible flash flooding. Some roads could become impassable—especially underpasses or those lacking proper drainage—and subway systems may experience flooding that could overwhelm sewers in parts of New York City.
Residents are advised to monitor weather alerts from official sources such as alerts.weather.gov and enable emergency notifications on their mobile devices. Signing up for real-time weather alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111 is also recommended.
Several state agencies have made preparations:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) has placed its Office of Emergency Management on enhanced monitoring status.
– Water rescue teams from various agencies are staged in Orange County and Ulster Counties.
– The Department of Transportation has mobilized more than 3,400 supervisors and operators statewide along with key equipment including dump trucks and water pumps.
– The Thruway Authority readied over 600 personnel plus vehicles such as dump trucks and loaders; motorists can get live updates at 511ny.org.
– Utilities have about 5,500 workers available statewide for assessment and restoration work if needed.
– State Police have deployed extra patrols where necessary; all specialty vehicles are ready.
– Environmental Conservation staff remain alert with swift water teams activated in flood-prone regions like Hudson Valley.
– Park Police are monitoring impacts; visitors should check parks.ny.gov or contact local park offices for updates.
– MTA crews will inspect drains at flood-prone sites; service updates are available at mta.info.
– Port Authority is working with partners across airports; travelers should check airline status before heading out.
Officials remind residents not to walk or drive through floodwaters due to safety risks. Residents should know evacuation routes ahead of time using resources like FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
After waters recede people are urged not to enter affected areas until they’re declared safe nor turn on appliances until checked by an electrician. More information can be found via DHSES at dhses.ny.gov.
