'Tropical' Storm To Bring The Hudson Valley Gusty Winds, Heavy Rain

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — An storm located about 300 mi southeast of Charleston, South Carolina at 9:20 a.m., is expected to strengthen south of our region by Saturday and bring a wind-swept and soaking rain, coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents this weekend.

A hazardous outlook has been issued for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties. A gale watch has been issued for the Long Island Sound.

Because of the proximity of the system, impacts could be more significant when compared to Hurricane Lee which passed offshore last week, said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

"As of Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was designating the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone 16," he reported.

The National Weather Service predicted that the region would receive 2-3 inches of rain Saturday through Sunday night, with isolated higher amounts. Rainfall rates are expected to be around 0.25" – 0.5"/hr leading to possible nuisance flooding. The potential for widespread flash flooding continues to be low.

However, Hudson Valley Weather pointed out that the Hudson River is forecast to rise to 3.5 ft close to the flood stage of 4.2 ft on Saturday.

"Between now and Saturday is a good time to bring belongings up to higher ground away from the rivers edge," they said on Facebook. "The combination of heavy rains and the tropical storm forcing water up the Hudson River will possibly cause a greater than 3.5 ft surge."

Winds peak on Saturday, highest in the lower Hudson Valley, with the potential for scattered downed tree branches due to saturated soil and full foliage. A few power outages are possible.

"A rainy and raw weekend is being served to the table from the weather kitchen," Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather said on Facebook. "Breezy conditions with temperatures struggling to reach 60°F. A long period event. Periods of rain with some heavier downpours looks to be our observations from Saturday morning into potentially as late as Monday night."

Timing

• Winds increase late Friday night into Saturday, tapering by Sunday evening.
• Rainfall starts after midnight tonight, increasing in coverage Saturday morning, continuing into Sunday. Heaviest rainfall between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• High surf and coastal flooding/erosion expected Saturday into Sunday.

Here's what the radar looks like at 10:28 a.m.

Here's a glance at the next 48 hours in the lower Hudson Valley:

Out of an abundance of caution, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed her administration to prepare for weather impacts and stand ready to support local officials with emergency response.

"Now is the time to prepare for potential flooding and secure outdoor items that could be affected by strong winds. If you are traveling and encounter flooded roadways this weekend, do not walk or drive through them," New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said.