Hochul directs state agencies to prepare for heavy rain & potential flooding

Combination of rainfall, snow melt and river ice may lead to localized flooding; thunderstorms and gusty winds possible Saturday afternoon and evening

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday directed state agencies to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding, while cautioning New Yorkers, as parts of the state are forecasted to be impacted by periods of heavy rain this weekend.

Saturday afternoon and evening could bring thunderstorms and gusty winds throughout portions of Central and Western New York. Sunday is expected to bring steady, locally heavy rain statewide with one to 1 and a half inches of rain forecast and isolated totals of up to 2 inches possible. There is also potential for gusty winds through areas in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York and Long Island.

“I have directed my administration to mobilize and prepare for heavy rain and potential flooding this weekend as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “I urge all New Yorkers to take precautions, monitor your local forecast, and stay weather aware as the storm impacts the state.”

Flood watches have been issued for many areas of the state through Saturday. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer. For real-time travel information, motorists can call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org/#:Alerts, New York’s official traffic and travel information source.

Steps New Yorkers can take before and during a flood to stay safe:

√ Know your area's type of flood risk – visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.

√ Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors,

√ If you live in a flood-prone area, document your belongings and valuables. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create digital, password-protected copies of important documents, pictures, and other items.

√ Obtain flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding.

√ Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.

√ If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait – follow all orders promptly.

√ Traveling during a flood can be extremely dangerous. One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Never walk, swim or drive through flood waters. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don't Drown!”

√ Consider those with access and functional needs to determine if they are prepared for a flood emergency where they live and work.

Thunderstorm safety tips

√ If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.

√ Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.

√ If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.

√ Get out of boats and away from water.

√ Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.

√ Do not take a bath or shower.

√ Turn off air conditioners – power surges from lightning can overload compressors.

√ Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible.

√ Do not attempt to drive to safety – most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.

√ If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.

√ If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees.

√ If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.

For more preparedness information and safety tips from DHSES, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. The National Weather Service website also includes flood safety tips and spring safety resources.