Overnight Flash Flooding Puts Westchester Highways Underwater

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — An overnight deluge created dangerous situations for motorists in the region, as flash flooding closed major roadways and created havoc.

Warnings were issued shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday, but by then, it was too late for many.

The National Weather Service predicted between 1/4" and 1/2" inch of rain overnight Sunday, but that rain was concentrated over just a few hours. While some of the closed roadways were opened in time for the morning commute, many will remain closed until late morning or early afternoon, according to the latest information from NYSDOT.

By 10 p.m., the Hutchinson River Parkway was closed. All traffic on the northbound and southbound Hutchinson River Parkway was being diverted to the Cross County Parkway because of flooding.

The Bronx River Parkway and the Saw Mill River Parkway were also closed in both directions at the New York City border. The Bronx River Parkway was also closed from Chatterton Parkway to the Sprain split in Yonkers.

Westchester County police said other potentially dangerous ponding/flooding conditions were occurring on the parkways that remained open.

In Mount Vernon, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard warned drivers to avoid unnecessary travel, describing "major flooding" in low-lying areas near the Hutchinson River. The mayor said the heavy rainfall caused storm sewers to be overwhelmed turning some manhole covers into near geysers.

Other municipalities in the region, including the Village of Mamaroneck, Rye, New Castle, Bedford, Port Chester and New Rochelle warned residents to move cars and avoid unnecessary travel.

Motorists were reportedly stuck in their vehicles and had to be rescued on the Sprain Brook Parkway in Yonkers. Bedford Road in Northern Westchester was closed for several hours, along with nearby stretches of Rte 22.

The City of Rye Police Department issued a flood warning around 9:30 p.m. Sunday evening: "Please be advised that due to the steady rainfall and tides there is a potential for flooding. It is recommended that residents in flood prone areas, particularly those in Highland Hall lot and Car Park One move their vehicles to higher ground. At this time the only flooding that has been observed is by Loewen Court and on Playland Parkway. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise if conditions deteriorate further."