By Kim Anderson
ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A state of emergency is set to be declared for 16 New York counties, including Rockland, as the region braces for potentially dangerous flooding from a major rainstorm. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for over 15 counties earlier today.
The affected counties are Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, and all contiguous counties.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the flash flooding risk to moderate, with forecasters warning of a 70 percent chance of flash flooding in some areas. Rainfall totals could reach up to five inches in the heaviest bands, with rainfall rates possibly exceeding two inches per hour.
Flood watches are already in effect for New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon. Officials warn that flooding could impact subways, basements, and roadways, making travel hazardous.
The Thursday evening commute is expected to be heavily affected, and some roads may become impassable. State officials are urging employers to release workers early to avoid traffic delays and dangerous travel conditions. In line with that recommendation, New York State has released all non-essential employees in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties as of 1 p.m.
Emergency crews are already staging water rescue teams in Orange and Ulster counties in preparation for possible swift-water rescues.
Significant rainfall is also forecast for the Southern Tier and Capital Regions, potentially causing additional flooding risks outside of the currently declared areas.
Residents in affected regions are advised to monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, and take precautions to protect their property from flooding.
This is a developing story. Rockland News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
