Heavy Rains and Flooding
Governor Hochul has issued a weather warning Press Release urging New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rains and possible flash flooding through Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
A significant storm system is moving through the state, bringing heavy rain and strong winds causing a potential for flooding and power outages.
Areas in Long Island and the Mid-Hudson and Capital District regions could see three inches or more of rain through Tuesday morning, and flooding is expected in areas previously impacted by heavy rain events. Some areas could see even higher amounts of rainfall, and saturated ground conditions add to the flood risk.
Strong winds up to 50-60 MPH in New York City and on Long Island could lead to power outages in those areas.
A flood watch indicates that conditions exist for flooding to occur; it is a notification to be prepared.
A flood warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening; it is a notification to take action, including evacuation.
A flood watch is in effect for many locations through Monday evening. High wind warnings are in effect for all of Long Island, as well as for Kings and Queens counties, and coastal flood warnings are in effect for the coasts of Long Island and southern Queens County.
Hochul stated: “And what we’re most concerned about are the high winds and the coastal areas for flooding…when you get into a vehicle and you go into a road that has standing water on it, that can quickly turn up to be a river. And that’s what we caution. Please be smart.”
She added that state agencies stand ready to assist local governments as needed throughout the storm. This includes State Police and Emergency Services, transportation authorities, and the Departments of Public Service and Environmental Conservation.
Take Precautions
Use extra caution when traveling, especially on dangerous flooded roadways. Those in low-lying areas are urged to be prepared for delays in commuting and supply delivery.
The NYC Office of Emergency Management and the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services offer the following safety tips:
- Keep your vehicle fueled.
- Know the safest route to higher ground.
- Keep protective supplies on hand (sandbags, etc.).
- Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.
- If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
- If you live in a basement apartment in a flood-prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.
- Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
- Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
Keep a close eye on the forecast and watch for alerts from the National Weather Service.
More Information
We encourage all providers and patients to sign up for NY Alert, the state’s Mass Notification System used to warn the public promptly of emergencies and provide other critical information. Notify NYC is another alert option for those in the five boroughs. Some notices are posted on the Notify NYC website, but by downloading the app, users can get location-specific information quickly.
Motorists can download the Thruway Authority mobile app to view live traffic cams and get navigation assistance. An interactive map is also available online and shows traffic conditions for the Thruway and other NYS roadways.
Visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website for more tips and information on NY State efforts regarding flooding.