New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for New York City due to hazardous weather conditions for the area.
“I will be declaring a State of Emergency for New York City and the surrounding counties. Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected to affect the evening commute,” Hochul said.
“Employers are encouraged to dismiss employees early. Continue to monitor your local forecasts, and stay safe,” she added.
More from Hochul’s office:
State of Emergency To Be Declared in Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and Contiguous Counties
National Weather Service Upgraded Flash Flooding Risk to Moderate; Up to 70 Percent Chance of Flash Flooding
Up to Five Inches of Rain Possible in Heaviest Bands; Rainfall Rates Could Exceed Two Inches Per Hour
Flood Watches in Place for New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon; Flooding Possible in Subway and Basements
Thursday Evening Commute Will Be Impacted and Some Roads May Be Impassable; Employers Recommended to Release Employees Early to Avoid Delays
State Released Non-Essential Employees in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties at 1pm
Water Rescue Teams Staged in Orange County and Ulster Counties
Significant Rainfall is Also Expected in the Southern Tier and Capital Regions
“Thu 2 PM – Fri 8 AM | 1.5 to 3” expected but up to 5” of rain possible. Expect street, basement & transit flooding. Travel may be dangerous, avoid unnecessary trips,” NYC Emergency Management stated.
“Emergency Management services advise charging devices, moving cars from low areas, relocating from basements, and avoiding standing water during the storm,” Citizen NYC wrote.
New York City experienced flash flooding, which flooded multiple subway stations, earlier this month.
ABC News shared further info:
New York City and New Jersey are under states of emergencies as torrential rain pounds the Northeast on Thursday afternoon.
A level 3 out of 4 threat for flash flooding is in effect in New York City, parts of Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley, southwest Connecticut, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. A severe thunderstorm watch has also been issued.
Heavy storms could lead to rainfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour. Some of the most intense downpours could drop 2 inches or rain in just 30 minutes.
Widespread rain totals are forecast to be 1 to 3 inches, but the heaviest storms could bring 5 to 8 inches of rain to isolated areas. Damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph, lightning and some hail are also possible.
Some of the heaviest rain may fall during the late afternoon rush hour, and the heavy rain could continue well into the evening.
