Water Rescues Underway; Hochul Offers Support To Flood Ravaged Areas; Officials Urge, 'Stay Off The Roads'

MOUNT PLEASANT, NY — Flooding on Hudson Valley parkways has authorities urging commuters to stay off the roads, until conditions improve.

See: Thunderstorms, Potential Flooding Predicted For Hudson Valley: What To Expect

"At this time, residents are still strongly advised to avoid all travel unless fleeing an area that is subject to flooding, or under an evacuation order. Heavy rain and flooding are expected to continue through the evening," Westchester County emergency officials said in their most recent update. "The Bronx River Parkway is currently closed in both directions, but is expected to reopen in time for the morning commute. The Saw Mill River Parkway is closed northbound, north of Bedford Road due to a downed tree. Numerous calls have been placed on various roadways for vehicles submerged in water, and water rescues are under way."

The Taconic State Parkway is closed in both directions near mile marker 1.6 (Commerce St.) in the Town of Mount Pleasant due to flooding.

The Sprain Brook Parkway is also closed in both directions (northbound and southbound) near mile marker 11.0 (Hospital Road) in the Town of Mount Pleasant due to flooding.

The Bronx River Parkway is currently closed between the Westchester County Center and Main Street in White Plains. Significant flooding is also reported on the Sprain Brook Parkway, and several roads are closed in the areas surrounding Westchester Medical Center.

In Nanuet, Westbound Rt 59 in Nanuet is down to one lane due to flooding. The Clarkstown Police Department and NYSDOT are on scene.

County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Department of Emergency Services (DES) said they are continuing to monitor the Flash Flood Warning and Flood Watch in effect for Westchester County.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has offered her support towards Westchester County's recovery efforts, and Jenkins said he was in communication with Commissioner of New York State Division of Homeland Security Jackie Bray, as well as all local municipalities, to provide emergency assistance where needed.

Officials are reminding drivers to never attempt to cross flooded roadways, and to avoid flood-prone areas. Westchester residents are also being advised to keep emergency alert notifications turned on at all times.

Joe Villani, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service based in Albany, said a flood watch remains in effect throughout southern New York, including the mid-Hudson Valley region.

"Showers and thunderstorms are developing this afternoon, and they are bringing potential downpours," Villani said.

The storms won't materialize everywhere, but locations that are impacted could see flooding, he said.

The greatest risk for storms is from now through this evening, with storm activity decreasing after 9 p.m., according to Villani.