Gov. Kathy Hochul is declaring a State of Emergency in light of heavy flooding expected Thursday, July 31, until Friday, Aug. 1.

 

“I will be declaring a State of Emergency for New York City and the surrounding counties. Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected to affect the evening commute,” the governor said on Thursday. “Employers are encouraged to dismiss employees early. Continue to monitor your local forecasts, and stay safe.”

 

She later added in part, “Be alert. It’s going to be a very difficult and challenging commute going home. So, everybody, be smart, be safe, and we’ll get through this.”

 

The news comes after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for July 31, starting at 2:14 a.m. until  Aug. 1 at 8 a.m., with officials saying flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible in sections of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and southeast New York, including across the five boroughs, as well as in northern Nassau, northern Westchester, Rockland, Southern Nassau, and Southern Westchester counties.

 

They said scattered to numerous instances of urban, poor drainage and riverine flash flooding are possible, and localized severe flooding may cause an elevated threat to life and property, particularly Thursday afternoon and Thursday night.

 

They said widespread rain of one-and-a-half to 3 inches is likely, with localized amounts of up to 5 inches, and rainfall rates could exceed
over two inches per hour, especially in the impacted southern areas.

 

They said New Yorkers should monitor later forecasts, be alert for possible flood warnings, and that those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

 

Meanwhile, the MTA has announced earlier on July 31 that B/D/F/M trains are disrupted in both directions while the MTA investigates a loss of power near the West 4 Street-Wash Square station. For details, check the MTA App or http://mta.info.

 

Regarding the expected flooding, MTA officials added, “We’re expecting heavy rain and flooding tonight and tomorrow, with heavy rainfall this afternoon into the evening. Use caution while traveling on stairs and platforms. Give yourself extra time, and check service statuses on our apps or at http://mta.info before you go.”

 

The City of New York issued the following warning also, “Due to incoming rain, NYC has a Travel Advisory in effect for today, and Flood Watch starts at 2 pm. Avoid travel. Roads may become flooded during the evening commute. Set up flood prevention tools early. If you live in a basement, prepare to move to higher ground.”