Flood Watches Issued For Up To 3 Inches Of Rain Tuesday In The HV

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A massive storm bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and warm temperatures to the region is expected Tuesday — and forecasters are warning excessive runoff from heavy rainfall, snow melt and saturated ground may result in widespread flooding.

The storm could drop 1-3 inches Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night.

"The highest amounts will be across the mid-Hudson Valley, eastern Catskills, and western New England," the National Weather Service said in a briefing Monday morning. "With the rain coming quickly, high rainfall rates are possible with this event which increases the chances for flooding."

Flood watches go into effect for Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester counties Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.

Those living in areas prone to flooding, particularly of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying and flood-prone locations, should be prepared to take action. There is a potential for flash flooding Tuesday night in urban and poor drainage areas.

The Ramapo River could reach flood stage at Mahwah Wednesday morning.

From freezing — temperatures will be in the 20s overnight Monday — temps will climb after sunset Tuesday into the 50s.

Initially, precipitation will start out mainly as snow. Rain will mix in with the snow with a changeover to plain rain eventually occurring across the entire area.

It will fall on 2 inches to 14 inches of snow melting from the weekend storm. SEE: HV Storm Update: Timing, Town-by-Town Totals, Next Storm

Wind gusts up to 40-50 mph are expected which may result in downed trees, branches, and power outages.

"While eastern Orange County is favored for the highest gusts, everyone has the potential for gusts peaking anywhere from 35 to over 50 MPH," Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather said on Facebook.

Lingering flooding of rivers and streams is quite possible into the day Wednesday.

Here's the next 48 hours at a glance based on northern Westchester: