Severe Flooding in New York Claims One Life

New York’s Hudson Valley was hit by heavy rain, resulting in extreme flooding that tragically claimed the life of one person. The torrential downpour overwhelmed roadways, leading to closures and chaos. Meanwhile, other parts of the Northeast United States were preparing for potentially severe rainfall.

As the storm progressed eastward, the National Weather Service extended flash flood warnings to Connecticut, including Stamford and Greenwich, before reaching Massachusetts. Forecasters predicted rainfall of up to 5 inches (12 centimeters) in certain areas.

In the Hudson Valley region of New York, rescue teams worked diligently to recover the body of a woman in her 30s. She was swept away and drowned while attempting to evacuate her home. Thankfully, two other individuals managed to escape.

The intensity of the flash flooding dislodged boulders, which struck the woman’s house and caused damage to its walls, as confirmed by Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus in an interview with The Big Big News.

“Her residence was completely surrounded by water,” Neuhaus stated, emphasizing the dire situation. He added, “She was overwhelmed by massive waves resembling tidal waves while attempting to navigate through the flooding with her dog.”

The full extent of the destruction caused by the slow-moving storm, which brought up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rainfall, will only be known after daybreak, allowing residents and officials to assess the damage. Preliminary estimates suggest that the storm has already caused tens of millions of dollars in damages.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York confirmed to WCBS radio that several people were reported missing, and one home had been washed away by the flooding.

Although some areas of New York were affected more severely than others, officials cautioned communities to the east of the state to prepare for heavy rains and potential flash flooding.

Authorities strongly advised residents in the storm’s path to refrain from using the roads. Governor Hochul stressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The amount of water is extraordinary, and it remains a highly dangerous situation.” She assured the public, “We will overcome this,” but also warned, “It will be a challenging night.”

In response to the situation, the governor declared a state of emergency for Orange County, located approximately 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of New York City. The state of emergency was later extended to Ontario County, situated in western New York southeast of Rochester.

Governor Hochul informed the public that the state was in constant communication with local officials and that state agencies were actively involved in search and rescue operations.

To aid in flooded areas, the state deployed five swift-water rescue teams and a high-axle vehicle.

Videos shared on social media depicted the extent of the flooding, with torrents of brown-colored water flowing perilously close to homes and roads being washed away by swift currents.

West Point, the renowned U.S. Military Academy, was severely flooded, raising concerns about potential water damage to historic buildings.

In addition to southeastern New York, the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for northeastern New Jersey, describing the situation as “life-threatening.”

According to a tweet from the NWS, a significant flood threat with a high risk of excessive rainfall is expected across much of New England on Monday. Vermont and northeastern New York are likely to experience particularly intense rainfall.

The National Weather Service New York cautioned that showers and thunderstorms were expected in New York City on Sunday night, potentially leading to flash flooding.

The city’s emergency notification system issued a tweet warning residents of the heavy rain’s potential to cause “life-threatening flooding to basements” and advised them to be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary.

State Route 9W experienced flooding, and portions of the Palisades Interstate Parkway were so heavily affected that they had to be closed, according to a statement from the New York State Police, who urged the public to avoid the parkway.

Reported by Golden, Seattle.

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More about flooding

• Heavy rain spawned extreme flooding in New York’s Hudson Valley
• National Weather Service flash flood warnings
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s declaration of state of emergency
• Video showing extent of flooding on social media
• West Point severely flooded
• National Weather Service forecast for New England
• New York City’s emergency notification system
• Road closures and advisories from New York State Police