Hochul Declares State Of Emergency As Torrential Rain Threatens Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul said a State of Emergency will be declared in Suffolk, Nassau, Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties as torrential rain and flash flooding threaten the region through Friday.

The National Weather Service upgraded the flash flooding risk to moderate, with up to a 70-percent chance of flash flooding, up to five inches of rain possible in the heaviest bands and rainfall could exceed two inches per hour.

"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," 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."

Flood watches are in place for Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley, and flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, the NWS said.

The flash flood warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m. for the following cities: Levittown, Freeport, Plainview, Garden City, Massapequa, Lynbrook, Syosset, Westbury, Farmingdale, Hempstead, Hicksville, Oceanside, Baldwin, Wantagh, Woodbury, Brookville, East Meadow, Uniondale, Rockville Centre and Merrick.Flooding is also possible in subways and basements, residents' evening commutes will be impacted and some roads may be impassable.

"Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads," the NWS said. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

On Thursday afternoon, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman warned residents that concern for flash flooding extends until 8 a.m. on Friday.

The governor is recommending that employers release employees early to avoid delays in Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York City, and Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess and Westchester counties.

New Yorkers may text their county or borough at 333111 to receive real-time emergency and weather alert texts on their phones.