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Hudson Valley Flooded: Putnam Declares State Of Emergency

Flooding and sinkholes are still an issue, County Executive Kevin Byrne said Monday.

County Executive Kevin Byrne surveyed flood damage Monday from Sunday's storms in Philipstown.
County Executive Kevin Byrne surveyed flood damage Monday from Sunday's storms in Philipstown. (Putnam County Executive's Office)

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne declared a State of Emergency Monday in response to the significant flooding in local communities that occurred as a result of severe storms on Sunday.

Rain in Putnam County ranged from 8 inches in Mahopac to 4.5 in the hamlet of Carmel. SEE: Hudson Valley Flooded: Town-by-Town Rainfall Totals

Flooding was so severe that it flooded and undermined train tracks on both the Hudson and Harlem lines in Putnam. SEE: Torrential Rains Damage Freight, Passenger Train Tracks In The Hudson Valley

Find out what's happening in Southeast-Brewsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Numerous roads, bridges and culverts throughout the county suffered severe damage and officials have already begun working with state and federal government officials to advocate for financial assistance with rebuilding. The declaration also allows for a coordinated and efficient response to the situation, mobilizing resources and activating emergency management protocols, county officials said.

"Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our residents and we’re happy to report that as of now, there has been no loss of life reported in Putnam County as a result of this storm," Byrne said in an announcement about the declaration. "By declaring a state of emergency we are able to streamline our response efforts and access additional resources more quickly to expedite recovery. We are committed to working collaboratively with our partners at all levels to restore critical infrastructure and assist affected communities during this challenging time."

Find out what's happening in Southeast-Brewsterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Following a partial activation of the Emergency Operations Center, Byrne directed the Bureau of Emergency Services, the Department of Public Work, and other county departments to work with local municipalities and first responders to assess damage and implement recovery efforts.

"As waters recede, the Bureau of Emergency Services is continuing to work diligently to coordinate our response and provide assistance in all affected areas," said Commissioner Bob Lipton. "Our priority remains the safety of residents and supporting first responders. We are closely monitoring all situations and will work closely with partners on recovery."

Residents are encouraged to exercise caution as a number of roads remain closed and flooding and sinkholes are still an issue, even as the water recedes. As of noon, Putnam emergency officials reported these roads closed:

  • Fair Street at Waring Drive in Carmel
  • Upper Station Street in Garrison
  • Lower Station Road in Garrison
  • Old Manitou Rd at Rt 9D in Garrson
  • Sagamore Dr at Route 301 in Kent
  • Church Hill Rd at Farmers Mills Rd in Kent
  • Nichols St at Dykeman Rd in Lake Carmel
  • Terry Hill Road in Lake Carmel
  • Mooney Hill Rd at Ludingtonville Rd in Lake Carmel
  • Out of the Woods Lane at Hill Street in Mahopac
  • Lake Baldwin Drive at Shore Drive in Mahopac
  • Route 311 at Route 292 in Patterson
  • Indian Brook Rd at Route 9D in Philipstown
  • Route 9D at Little Stony Point in Philipstown
  • 135 E Mountain Rd N in Philipstown
  • Lane Gate Rd at Route 301 in Philipstown
  • Rush Dr at Oscawana Lake Rd in Putnam Valley
  • Brooksfalls Rd at Brookfalls Ct in Putnam Valley
  • Wood St in Putnam Valley
  • Tyler Rd at Tyler Ct in Putnam Valley
  • Horton Hollow Rd in Putnam Valley
  • Peekskill Hollow Road (at numerous points) in Putnam Valley

Residents are encouraged to call 911 in any emergency situations. Do not drive through puddles, do not attempt to to cross downed wires, and do not drive over damaged pavement, officials said.

For more updates, visit PuntnamCountyNY.com

Byrne expressed his gratitude to the dedicated first responders, DPW crews, county employees at the Bureau and volunteers who have been working tirelessly through the night and early morning to address the immediate needs of affected areas.

Local governments and residents are encouraged to keep careful records of all storm related expenses incurred should they become eligible for disaster relief funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Residents can receive updates from Putnam County through our online platforms and can receive timely updates via New York Alert by opting in at alert.ny.gov. To view a copy of the State of Emergency, visit putnamcountyny.com

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