Flood Watch In Effect For Much Of Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Flood watches have gone into effect for Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester and eastern Ulster counties as showers with embedded thunderstorms are expected to shift through the area through Saturday.

With a moist air mass in place, any shower or thunderstorm will be capable of producing heavy downpours that may lead to flooding, the National Weather Service said. A total of 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is anticipated with locally higher amounts. The period for the greatest threat of flooding is this afternoon through Saturday morning; however, flooding will still be possible Saturday afternoon.

"Heavier precipitation unfortunately looks like it may take place late night tonight and early morning hours," Todd Snow of Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook. "Could possibly be a wake-up call. But hope no flash floods in the night, worst time. Always be aware of your surroundings and seek higher ground if waters should rise rapidly. If outdoors camping or on a boat, always keep an eye on the weather."

The flood watches are in effect through Saturday afternoon.

During flash flooding, never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately. Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

"With record-high temperatures across the state and potential flash flooding in the Downstate regions, New Yorkers must be vigilant and listen to cell phone alerts from the National Weather Service,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said, urging New Yorkers to be prepared. “During this time, be sure to check on your family, friends and neighbors, and stay hydrated as the temperatures continue to rise.”

High humidity and high ‘feels like’ temperatures are expected Sunday through Wednesday, with Monday and Tuesday expected to be the hottest, the NWS said.

For New Yorkers trying to beat the heat, Hochul has waived entry fees at New York State Park pools this summer. Visitors should call ahead to the park they plan to visit or check the website for any updates as weather and water conditions may affect swimming status. Park status updates are also available on the free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Here's the five-day forecast based on northern Westchester:

• Friday - Cloudy. A chance of showers with isolated thunderstorms late this morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. Locally heavy rainfall possible this afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Tonight - Showers with a chance of thunderstorms. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Humid with lows around 70. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
• Saturday - Showers with a chance of thunderstorms. Locally heavy rainfall possible in the morning. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
• Saturday Night - Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. Southwest winds around 5 mph, becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Sunday - Sunny with highs in the lower 90s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.
• Sunday Night - Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 70s.
• Monday - Sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 90s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Heat index values up to 100.
• Monday Night - Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly clear. Lows in the lower 70s.
• Tuesday - Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Hot with highs in the mid 90s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Heat index values up to 105.
• Tuesday Night - Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
• Wednesday - Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 90. Chance of rain 50 percent. Heat index values in the mid 90s.
• Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.