Sunday Storm To Bring Heavy Rain, High Winds, Flooding To The HV

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — With a damaging storm due to hit Sunday afternoon, bringing heavy rain and high winds, the National Weather Service has issued hazardous outlooks across the Hudson Valley.

Over a period of 12 hours, 2 to 3 inches of rain are likely — with higher amounts possible in some communities — leading to flooding.

"Rainfall rates could briefly peak at around 1"- 1 1/2" per hour early Monday morning," Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather said on Facebook.

Due to the raging storm, the Monday morning commute may be slow and difficult, said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

Significant rises are expected along large rivers with minor flooding possible across a few areas Monday into Tuesday. Flooding impacts could occur well up tidally affected rivers, including the Hudson. Also, minor to moderate flooding is likely along several quick responding small rivers and streams in the lower Hudson Valley.

Heavy rainfall and runoff may coincide with times of high tide Sunday overnight and early Monday afternoon, which would exacerbate flood impacts along the coast and tidally affected river basins. Sunday night high tide could bring widespread minor (1-2 ft above ground) coastal flooding along coastal Westchester County.

Widespread minor urban and poor drainage flooding is likely, and localized to scattered flash flooding possible. The storm may cause some disruptions to transportation, and isolated flooding of basements, first floors of residences and businesses, as well as some underground infrastructures, the National Weather Service said.

"If you live near any streams, rivers, or lakes, please keep an eye on the water levels," Todd Snow of Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook.

Specially in the lower Hudson Valley, strong winds could blow down scattered tree limbs. A few trees and power lines could be downed. Power outages are possible. Poorly secured outdoor objects will be damaged or blown away, the NWS said.

For southern Westchester, there's a wind advisory in effect from midnight Sunday to noon Monday.

The storm will affect the whole East Coast as millions of Americans begin holiday traveling.

"Conditions will deteriorate quickly from south to north on Sunday and Sunday night," Sosnowski said. "Slow travel is likely due to flooded roads, airline delays and flight cancellations."

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, the National Weather Service issued hazardous outlooks warning of possible minor-to-moderate river and small stream flooding from Monday into Tuesday.

For Dutchess and Ulster, the outlook says:

Rainfall totals between 1.50 and 3.00 inches will be common with locally higher amounts across the eastern Catskills. The combination of heavy rainfall and snow melt may result in flooding. In addition, southeasterly wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph are becoming increasingly likely across the Taconics and into western New England Sunday night into Monday.

Temperatures will be positively balmy, with highs in the 50s — until the storm blows through. Then temps will drop, with lows into the lower 30s overnight Monday.

"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," Furbeck said.

Here's the next 48 hours at a glance:

The weather will calm down by mid-week.

The seven-day forecast based on Putnam County:

• Saturday - Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. Northeast winds around 5 mph.
• Tonight - Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of light rain or drizzle after midnight. Lows in the mid 30s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
• Sunday - Cloudy. A chance of light rain or drizzle in the morning, then rain in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
• Sunday Night - Rain in the evening, then rain with isolated thunderstorms after midnight. Rain may be heavy at times after midnight. Windy with lows in the upper 40s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph after midnight. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
• Monday - Rain with isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of rain in the afternoon. Rain may be heavy at times in the morning. Windy with highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, becoming southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
• Monday Night - Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain showers. Cooler with lows in the lower 30s.
• Tuesday - Partly sunny. Much cooler with highs in the mid 30s.
• Tuesday Night - Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s.
• Wednesday - Sunny. Highs around 40.
• Wednesday Night - Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 20s.
• Thursday - Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
• Thursday Night - Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.
• Friday - Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.