Flood Warning, Watches Issued Across The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A flood warning has been issued for coastal Westchester County and flood watches are in effect through Monday afternoon for the rest of the Hudson Valley due to the damaging storm swirling up the East Coast.

As of 1:20 p.m. Sunday, Todd Snow of Hudson Valley Weather reported on Facebook: "Current flooding situation going on in South Carolina with rains training in off of the Atlantic from the storm. Flooding will happen in our area and everyone needs to be prepared."

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester, rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts are forecast into Monday.

For Dutchess and Ulster counties, widespread accumulations of 1.5 to 3 inches of rainfall are expected with higher amounts up to 5 inches in the eastern Catskills.

The combination of heavy rainfall and the already saturated grounds due to heavier rain over the last week could result in streams across the area experiencing rapid increases and flooding along low-lying and flood-prone locations, the NWS said.

Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Minor flooding will likely occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

Minor to moderate flooding is forecast on many area main stem rivers in eastern New York including the Hudson, as well as the Rondout, Schoharie and Wappingers creeks. River crests may occur as early as Monday afternoon along quick-responding basins, with other slower-responding reaches cresting later Monday night or early Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service said.

Heavy rainfall and runoff may coincide with times of high tide late tonight and early Monday afternoon, exacerbating flood impacts along the coast and tidally affected river basins.

Southern Westchester is also under a wind advisory, with southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

While the strongest winds will be across Long Island and eastern Connecticut, the NWS said a slight shift in the storm's track could allow for stronger winds farther inland into the Lower Hudson Valley.

The combination of gusts and saturated soils may increase the number of downed trees.

Widespread moderate (2 to 2 1/2 ft above ground) coastal flooding is expected for coastal Westchester, Long Island and much of coastal Connecticut, and the NWS has issued a Coastal Flood Warning.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding (up to 2 ft above ground) is likely for vulnerable areas along the western LI Sound and tidally affected rivers, particularly the Hackensack and Hudson. Flooding will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidally affected rivers.

Numerous low-lying and shoreline roads are likely to be closed in the affected area, with adjacent properties taking on water. Scattered flooding of basements and first floors of low-lying residences is possible. Cars will likely be damaged if not moved to higher ground. Flooding will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidally affected rivers.

"First responders should be prepared for higher call volume Monday morning from a period of heavy rain and gusty winds causing downed trees, power outages, and flooding," Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather said on Facebook. "Tuesday morning will have an additional risk for vehicle collisions as a result from slippery travel with potential for some snowfall and temperatures around freezing."

The "blockbuster storm" will affect early Christmas travel, AccuWeather forecasters said.

"Any early holiday travelers across the Northeast and New England should closely monitor weather updates and any additional travel advisories across the region over the upcoming days," said Alyssa Glenny, AccuWeather Meteorologist. "Forecasters say that travel delays or cancellations can occur as a result of this developing storm, especially on Monday along the Northeast coast."

After the storm, dry weather is expected Wednesday and Thursday across the eastern United States, she said.