Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency Amid Heavy Rainfall Warning

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency for several New York counties, urging residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. Heavy downpours are forecasted to impact downstate New York, specifically in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions, with significant flooding possible. Flood Watches are in place for New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon, with a widespread one to three inches of rain expected, with locally higher totals up to five inches possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for 16 New York counties, including the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, and contiguous counties.
  • The State of Emergency includes non-essential employees' release in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
  • A widespread one to three inches of rain is expected, with locally higher totals up to five inches possible.
  • Heavy rainfall rates may produce subway flooding and overwhelm NYC sewers.
  • Flooding in basements and subterrain floors is also possible.
  • Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches, and warnings.
  • New Yorkers should ensure government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones and sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts.
  • The State released non-essential employees in affected areas at 1:00 p.m.
  • State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding, with equipment numbers as follows:

+ 1,430 large dump trucks

+ 337 large loaders

+ 92 chippers

+ 87 tracked and wheeled excavators

+ 33 water pumps

+ 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks

+ 28 traffic tower platforms

+ 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

  • The Thruway Authority has 669 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to wind or flood-related issues, with equipment numbers as follows:

+ 337 Large and Small Dump Trucks

+ 63 Loaders

+ 31 Trailers

+ 5 Vac Trucks

+ 14 Excavators

+ 8 Brush Chippers

+ 99 Chainsaws

+ 24 Aerial Trucks

+ 22 Skid Steers

+ 86 Portable Generators

+ 65 Portable Light Units

  • Utility companies have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide for damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts.
  • The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has activated swift water teams and is monitoring weather forecasts to coordinate resource deployment.
  • DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities and encourages municipalities to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas.

Statistics:

  • 16 New York counties are under a State of Emergency.
  • 5,500 utility workers are available statewide for damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts.
  • 3,428 Department of Transportation supervisors and operators are available to respond to the heavy rain.
  • 669 Thruway Authority operators and supervisors are prepared to respond to wind or flood-related issues.
  • 1,430 large dump trucks are available for response efforts.
  • 337 large loaders are available for response efforts.
  • 92 chippers are available for response efforts.

Sources:

  • Governor Hochul News Release: July 31
  • Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: [www.dhses.ny.gov](http://www.dhses.ny.gov)
  • National Weather Service: [www.weather.gov](http://www.weather.gov)
  • New York State Department of Transportation: [www.dot.ny.gov](http://www.dot.ny.gov)
  • Thruway Authority: [www.thruway.ny.gov](http://www.thruway.ny.gov)
  • New York State Department of Public Service: [www.dps.ny.gov](http://www.dps.ny.gov)
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: [www.dec.ny.gov](http://www.dec.ny.gov)
  • Metropolitan Transportation Authority: [www.mta.info](http://www.mta.info)
  • Port Authority of New York and New Jersey: [www.panynj.gov](http://www.panynj.gov)