Emergency Declared as “Life-Threatening” Floods Ravage New York

On Sunday, intense rainfall resulted in “life-threatening” floods across New York state, transforming streets into raging waterways, causing bridge collapses, and prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency.

Multiple media reports stated that during a flash flood in the Hudson Valley, a woman lost her life while attempting to evacuate her residence with her dog, as she was swept away by the rushing waters.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced states of emergency in Orange County, located northwest of New York City, and in Ontario County in the central region of the state. The governor emphasized that the heavy rainfall, which reached up to eight inches (200 mm), had led to “life-threatening circumstances caused by flash flooding.”

Hochul remarked, “We are reaching a crucial stage in this weather occurrence.”

As of Sunday evening, according to her office, over 12,000 customers had experienced power outages.

The torrential downpours resulted in roadways being washed away and left individuals stranded in their vehicles and residences.

According to the National Weather Service, numerous reports of severe flooding and individuals being trapped in vehicles have been received from the eastern part of Orange County.

Drivers were cautioned with the reminder, “Remember, if faced with flooding, turn around and avoid driving through it to ensure safety.”

By 8:00 pm (2400 GMT), several highways had been shut down in a minimum of five counties, including Westchester County, which is located just north of New York City and shares a border with the Hudson River.

According to the governor’s office, additional storms are anticipated in the state on Monday.

The statement indicated that the ongoing occurrence of slow-moving thunderstorms is expected to result in continued instances of flash flooding and limited to sporadic moderate river flooding, primarily due to excessive rainfall, throughout the night and into Monday.