Storm Causes Flooding and Rescues in New York State
A slow-moving storm system swept across a large portion of New York State on Sunday evening, resulting in heavy rain, flooding, and a tragic loss of life. The authorities reported that numerous drivers became stranded on inundated roads, necessitating dozens of rescue operations. The storm primarily impacted the Hudson Valley region, with some areas receiving between five and eight inches of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm’s epicenter hit West Point, the U.S. Military Academy in Orange County, which experienced around eight inches of rain by Sunday night. Trooper Steven V. Nevel of the New York State Police described the search-and-rescue efforts as a significant undertaking, with collapsed bridges and impassable roads posing challenges. The Palisades Interstate Parkway, a heavily traveled route, was completely washed out and flooded.
Orange County executive Steven M. Neuhaus confirmed one death related to the flooding, although details regarding the cause and circumstances were not provided. State Senator James Skoufis, who represents Orange County, identified the victim as a woman in her 30s. Governor Kathy Hochul revealed additional reports of missing individuals in the area, including a house swept away into a stream due to the extraordinary amount of water.
In Woodbury, major arterial roads were rendered impassable and washed out, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents. County officials, police departments, and other agencies dealt with an influx of emergency calls, with the National Weather Service describing the flooding as “life-threatening.” Flash flood emergencies were declared for certain stretches of the state.
Michael Strauss, a resident of Rockland County, described the hazardous conditions he encountered while driving through the storm. He and his wife became stranded on Route 9W, north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, after attempting various alternative routes that were either closed or flooded. Additional rainfall and flooding were expected overnight, leading some towns to declare states of emergency. Senator Skoufis expressed concerns that the situation might worsen if the predicted rainfall materializes.
Saratoga County, near Waterford, experienced severe flooding with up to two feet of water on Routes 4 and 32. The flooding complicated rescue efforts and rendered nearby roads impassable. Alan C. Mack, the deputy commissioner of emergency management in Orange County, highlighted the challenge of assessing the full extent of the damage when blocked roads prevented officials from reaching those in need.
In Cornwall, one of the affected towns in Orange County, residents were advised to seek higher ground if their current location was unsafe. The local office of emergency management issued warnings on Twitter, emphasizing that travel was impossible. Reports of mudslides, stranded vehicles, and flooded roadways also emerged from the town.
The storm’s impact extended to transportation, with a New York City-bound Amtrak train being halted near Poughkeepsie due to a complete washout of the tracks. Passengers were later informed that the train would reverse and return to Rhinecliff, where Amtrak officials would determine the next course of action.
While the causes of flooding are multifaceted, including factors such as land development and ground conditions, climate change is increasingly considered an important contributor due to its influence on heavier rainfall patterns. Although attributing a single flood event to climate change requires in-depth scientific analysis, the phenomenon’s connection to storms with increased rainfall is becoming more prominent.
The extent of the damage caused by the storm is still being assessed, and the recovery efforts in affected areas are ongoing. Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting to this article.