Flash Flooding Causes Emergencies in Mid-Hudson

HIGHLAND FALLS – Governor Kathy Hochul Monday provided an update on the storms causing widespread flooding in the Mid-Hudson and Finger Lakes regions, with more than eight inches of rain falling within a 24-hour period in some locations. The Governor declared States of Emergency in Orange and Ontario counties as numerous road closures and reports of flooding were addressed by state and local responders. At Governor Hochul’s direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center and State Fire Operations Center on Sunday to support local requests for assistance. Additional State agencies deployed personnel and equipment to assist local response to flash flooding in both the Mid-Hudson and Finger Lakes regions.

“New York is in the middle of a dangerous 48 hours where extreme weather conditions have put much of our state at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “I have declared a State of Emergency for Orange and Ontario Counties, where flooding last night made significant damage. While the storm has already passed through the southern part of New York, conditions remain dangerous in further north where there are ongoing extreme weather conditions. I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant, monitor local forecasts and have an evacuation plan ready if you’re in a danger zone.”

A total of six swift water rescue teams were deployed to impacted areas, including two from DHSES’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), three from New York State Police, and a joint OFPC/Parks team, as well as two (2) high axle vehicles to Ontario and Rockland counties. The OFPC and State Parks team conducted door to door checks at 120 homes in Ontario County, which resulted in the voluntary evacuation of more than a dozen individuals and five pets. DHSES’ Office of Emergency Management field staff remain active in both Orange and Ontario counties and are embedded in local emergency operations centers. DHSES deployed a total of 45 staff yesterday and overnight to respond to flood incidents, including 32 OFPC personnel and 13 OEM field staff.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We are working hand in glove with local officials in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes to assess damage and address immediate needs. We are also focused on ensuring our response assets are in place in the North Country to respond to the ongoing threat of flash flooding there. New Yorkers in the eastern part of the state must stay alert to conditions today.

As of 8:00 a.m. Monday morning, the following roads are closed in the Mid-Hudson region:
• Route 218, Route 9, Route 9W, 9A, Route 293, Route 32, Route 6, Palisades in Orange County
• Route 202, Bronx River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, U.S. Route 6, Taconic State Parkway, Route 100 in Westchester County
• Route 22 in Ulster County
• Taconic State Parkway and Route 9D in Putnam County
• Taconic State Parkway, Route 9D in Dutchess County
• Palisades Parkway and 9W in Rockland County
• Amtrak suspended service between Albany and New York City, and approximately 90 Amtrak passengers were provided lodging at the Albany Rensselaer Train Station overnight.

The Metro-North Hudson line service was suspended Monday to allow for inspection and repairs to track and infrastructure.

Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks were also closed Monday due to road closures and flood issues.

The American Red Cross has established two shelters – one in Ontario County at the Canandaigua Town Hall (5440 Route 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua) and in Orange County at the Sacred Heart School (7 Cozzens Avenue, Highland Falls).

Monday flood watches were in effect for the eastern third of the state through Tuesday. There is a high risk for excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding for areas in the North Country, particularly in the Lake Champlain area, as well as heavy rain for portions of the Mid-Hudson, Capital Region, and North County.