Continued Rain and Flash Flooding Devastate New York and New England
New York and areas of New England are bracing themselves for another day of heavy rain and widespread flash flooding after a deluge wreaked havoc in the Hudson Valley on Sunday. Homes were flooded, vehicles were stranded, roads became impassable, and other damages were reported throughout the region.
Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead, although the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. State Senator James Skoufis, representing Orange County, confirmed that the victim was a woman in her 30s.
The forecast for Monday predicts more rain in the Northeast, particularly with a high probability of excessive rainfall in the Champlain Valley and Northern Vermont, where the most prolonged rainfall duration is expected. Adding to the concern, central and northern New England have experienced 200 to 300 percent of their normal rainfall over the past two weeks. Streams are already flowing at abnormal speeds, some reaching record levels. Therefore, even a little rain could exacerbate an already critical situation.
The Hudson Valley bore the brunt of Sunday’s storm, with some areas recording up to eight inches of rain, as reported by the National Weather Service. West Point, the prestigious U.S. Military Academy, was hit hard, and much of the road leading up to it was destroyed according to social media posts from eyewitnesses.
Many roads, including parts of the heavily traveled Palisades Interstate Parkway, were rendered impassable. Additionally, several bridges collapsed, causing further disruption and danger. State Trooper Steven V. Nevel of the New York State Police confirmed these incidents.
In a separate incident, an Amtrak train bound for New York City came to a halt near Poughkeepsie on Sunday evening due to a “complete washout of both tracks” south of the city. Passengers had to be evacuated as train travel became impossible.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York declared a state of emergency on Sunday, later extending it to cover more areas. She urged residents in affected areas to stay off the roads and take precautions to ensure their safety.
Early Monday morning, flash flood warnings were in effect for Rockland County and northern Westchester County, according to the National Weather Service. They also predicted the possibility of heavy rain that could lead to life-threatening flash flooding in creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses.
County officials, police departments, and other agencies were inundated with emergency calls due to flooding on Sunday. Trooper Nevel described the search-and-rescue efforts as an “all hands on deck” situation.
Communities across New York and New England are urgently mobilizing to address the ongoing crisis caused by the relentless rain and flash flooding. The affected regions are hoping for respite from the downpour and the chance to begin recovery and rebuilding efforts.