Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency in New York City and 15 surrounding counties due to heavy rainfall and flash flood threats. The National Weather Service has raised the flood risk to moderate, with rain rates possibly exceeding two inches per hour.
“This is a dangerous, life-threatening storm,” Governor Hochul urged. “If you are home, stay home. If you’re not home, get somewhere safe.”
The State of Emergency covers areas including the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, and contiguous counties. Non-essential state employees in affected areas were released from work at 1 p.m. to avoid delays.
The torrential rains have caused subway shutdowns, highway closures, and flooded homes and schools across the region. Mayor Eric Adams has urged New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel, saying, “Please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. This weather is unpredictable and dangerous.”