Flood Watch As Hazardous Weather Moves Into Hudson Valley Overnight

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Officials are warning Hudson Valley residents to prepare for heavy rains and a high potential for flooding as heavy rains pass through the region overnight and through much of the day on Monday.

A Flood Watch is in effect for nearly the entire Hudson Valley and continuing through Monday evening. Rainfall amounts between 1.50 and 3.00 inches are possible with locally higher amounts. The highest amounts are expected along the coast and to the North, according to the National Weather service.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Drivers are advised to use caution when driving in this storm as there is a potential for flash flooding on parkways and local roadways in Westchester County and near rivers and streams throughout the Hudson Valley.

The Westchester County Police Department said they will have additional Patrol and Emergency Service officers working overnight to assist motorists or close roadways if necessary.

The WCPD is urging motorists not to drive on flooded roadways, noting appearances can be deceiving and a car can quickly stall and be swept away on a flooded roadway.

"Turn around, don’t drown," is the phrase of the day — just two feet of moving floodwaters can cause a car to float away. Never drive around barricades placed there to close a flooded road.

Likewise, officials are warning area residents to not try to walk through fast-moving water — even six inches of swift water can knock a person down and sweep them away. If your car becomes disabled in flood waters, call 911 and try to stay inside the vehicle, police said. If the water begins rising around the car, try to climb out a window onto the roof and wait for rescuers to arrive.

Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, northern Westchester, southern Westchester and New York City are included in both the Flood Watch and Hazardous Weather Outlook that continues through Monday evening.

In northern areas of the region, rain will change to snow early Monday before precipitation tapers off. A light accumulation of snow may cause slippery travel on Monday morning. As the storm departs, gusty northwest winds will develop behind the storm, with some gusts up to 40 mph. These could allow for a few downed tree limbs or branches.

Additionally, the entire Westchester Sound Shore is under a Coastal Flood Statement with up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline.