Hochul declares State of Emergency for several New York counties
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for several New York counties for heavy rain and potential flooding.
The State of Emergency includes the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties.
"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."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says on Eyewitness News the worst weather was in Queens, where storms dumped five inches of rain. Several vehicles became submerged in floodwaters, causing swift water rescue teams to respond. The state had already pre-positioned emergency vehicles, power generators, and other resources ahead of the storm, helping crews respond quickly. A state of emergency was declared in 14 counties, and the state's operations center was fully activated.
The Thursday evening commute will be impacted with areas of flash flooding possible and minor to moderate water level rises could occur on some waterways. Some roads may become impassable from flooding, most likely around underpasses and roads with little or no drainage. The heaviest rainfall rates may be capable of producing subway flooding and overwhelming NYC sewers. Flooding in basements and subterrain floors is also possible.
