Hochul Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Severe Storms Forecast For Hudson Valley

NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul said a State of Emergency will be declared in Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties as severe weather and flash flooding move into the region.

"I will be declaring a State of Emergency for New York City and the surrounding counties," Hochul said in a statement. "Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected to affect the evening commute. Employers are encouraged to dismiss employees early. Continue to monitor your local forecasts, and stay safe."

The National Weather Service has upgraded the Flash Flooding Risk to moderate, with up to a 70 percent chance of flash flooding in the affected counties.

Up to 5 inches of rain is possible in the heaviest band, and rainfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour, according to the latest from the NWS.

Flood watches are in place for New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon. Flooding is possible in subways and basements.

The Thursday evening commute will be impacted and roads may become impassable. Emergency officials are recommending employers send workers home early.

The governor said the state released non-essential employees in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties at 1 p.m.

Water rescue teams are staged in Orange and Ulster Counties, according to the governor's office.

New Yorkers can text their county or borough name to 333111 to receive real time emergency and weather alert texts directly to their phone.