GOVERNOR CUOMO DIRECTS STATE AGENCIES TO PREPARE EMERGENCY ASSETS AS TROPICAL STORM FRED IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT STATE WITH FLASH FLOODING CONDITIONS THROUGH THURSDAY
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul - Appointed
Widespread 2-4 Inches of Rain Expected in Several Upstate Locations with More Than 6 Inches of Rain Possible in Parts of Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier
Finger Lakes Also at Risk for Increased Flash Flooding Based on Several Inches of Rainfall Received Yesterday
New York Press Release - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets as the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred are forecast to bring heavy rain and flash flooding conditions to several parts of the State starting this afternoon. Heavy rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred will begin affecting these areas late this afternoon and will exit the State by midday Thursday. Many areas will see up to four inches of rain, with even higher amounts possible locally, especially in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier, where some locations could see more than six inches of rain. Heavy rain will likely result in flash flooding of poor drainage and low-lying areas, especially in the Finger Lakes region, where some places received up to four inches of rain on Tuesday. Rivers and streams may quickly rise late tonight through Thursday. In addition, unsettled weather conditions may create the small potential for an isolated tornado during the rain event. Governor Cuomo urged New Yorkers to prepare for flash flooding conditions and stay tuned to local weather forecasts.
"The remnants of Tropical Storm Fred are poised to impact several parts of the State through tomorrow with heavy rain and flash flooding conditions, especially in parts of the Finger Lakes where they already received a good deal of rain yesterday," Governor Cuomo said. "State agencies are in contact with and ready to assist local governments with whatever they may need. As the storm approaches, I am urging anyone within these areas to keep a close eye on the weather and take action now to prevent damage or injury from flooding conditions."
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, an already humid weather environment will be further infused with moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred today, which will greatly increase the risk for flash flooding within slow-moving downpours. Widespread rain will persist through tonight before tapering off during the day Thursday. Humid and occasionally rainy weather conditions will persist through Thursday as Fred exits the State to the east. New Yorkers can view weather alerts in their area by visiting the National Weather Service website here.
Agency Preparations
Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation will be actively patrolling areas that are susceptible to flooding. Department personnel are preparing to respond with temporary closure and detour materials as well as equipment to remove debris to ensure impacted locations reopen quickly. Signal crews and generators will also be ready to address dark signals as needed.
Agency assets are as follows:
- 1,339 large dump trucks
- 299 large loaders
- 74 chippers
- 74 wheeled and tracked excavators
- 56 tractor trailers
- 36 traffic tower platforms
- 15 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
- 12 tree crew bucket trucks
Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority has 664 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.
Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:
- 207 Large Dump Trucks
- 113 Small Dump Trucks
- 65 Loaders
- 29 Trailers
- 6 Vac Trucks
- 8 Tracked Excavators
- 10 Wheeled Excavators
- 10 Brush Chippers
- 98 Chainsaws
- 24 Aerial Trucks
- 22 Skid Steers
- 86 Portable Generators
- 68 Portable Light Units
The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices.
New York State Police
The New York State Police has instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and closely monitor conditions for any problems. Additional personnel will be deployed to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles, are in-service.
Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.
Department of Public Service
New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, and restoration efforts across the State. Department of Public Service staff will track the utilities' work throughout the storm event and will ensure utilities shift the appropriate staffing to the regions anticipated to be impacted the most.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check the parks website here or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.
New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation
The New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation are prepared and are currently monitoring forecasts and conditions. The Power Authority is ready to support power restoration activities if needed.
Flash Flooding Safety Tips
If traveling during heavy rain, please drive with care and keep these safety tips in mind:
- DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
- DO NOT underestimate the destructive 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.
- Follow recommended routes. DO NOT ignore emergency detours to view flooded areas.
- Watch for washed-out roads, earth-slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.
- Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
- If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.
- As you travel, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local radio broadcasts for the latest information.
For more flash flooding safety tips, please visit the DHSES website here.
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