NEW YORK – Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as the debris from Hurricane Ida is expected to cover areas of New York with six or more inches of rain through Thursday, which could cause flash flooding and dangerous travel conditions in various locations.
The remnants of #HurricaneIda are forecast to impact NYC, LI, and parts of the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson Valley & Capitol Region.
I’ve directed state agencies to prepare for emergency response and I urge New Yorkers to prepare for flooding conditions and watch local forecasts.
— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 1, 2021
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New York City, Long Island and the areas in the southern tier, Mid-Hudson Valley and the capital district could see up to six inches of rain, with locally higher amounts, as Ida passes through the area.
There is also the possibility of strong thunderstorms with gusts of wind until early Thursday morning, as well as the threat of an isolated tornado, especially for the northern areas of the state. Ida is expected to move rapidly to the northeast and the rains to end in the eastern parts of the state Thursday night.
Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to closely monitor local forecasts of weather conditions and follow possible emergency orders issued before or during storms. New York State agencies and authorities have engaged municipalities and local partners and are ready to respond as needed.
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“The remnants of Hurricane Ida are forecast to impact the north and east of the state, including New York City, Long Island and parts of the southern tier, the central Hudson Valley and the capital regions, with heavy rains and possible flash floods through Thursday, “Governor Hochul said. “Although we do not expect much more intense rainfall or tropical force winds that hit states like Louisiana and Mississippi, we can see about six inches of rain in some parts of New York as Tropical Depression Ida continues to move northeast. I urge people in areas where heavy rain is forecast to prepare for flooding and stay safe. If you need to travel, be careful and check the weather conditions first. “
New Yorkers can view weather alerts for their area by visiting the National Weather Service website. here.
Check out the latest severe weather alerts for your neighborhood here.
Preparation of state agencies:
Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is preparing to respond with more than 3,150 supervisors and operators available throughout the state. Personnel can be configured on whatever type of response equipment is needed (flood, chipper, load and haul, sewer jet, cut and launch, traffic signal, etc.). DOT’s 24/7 Incident Command System will be activated for response management throughout the event.
Highway Authority
Thruway Authority has 655 operators and supervisors ready to respond to any wind or flood related issue statewide with small and medium excavators, plow / dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and trailer hauling equipment, as well as signaling and other traffic control devices available for detours or closures.
The New York State Police will have two 12-person rapid water rescue teams with boats ready for deployment, with one team in Ulster County and one in Broome County. Soldiers will closely monitor conditions and additional personnel will be assigned to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles and specialty vehicles, including off-road utility vehicles, are in service.
Environmental Conservation Department
DEC Environmental Conservation Police officers, rangers, emergency management personnel, and regional personnel are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be affected by severe weather. All available assets, including rapid water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Park Police and park staff are alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts.
Public Service Department
New York Public Services has approximately 5,500 workers available to participate in damage assessment, response, and restoration efforts across the state. Public Utilities Department staff will monitor utilities work during the storm event and ensure that utilities transfer appropriate personnel to the regions that are anticipated to be hardest hit.
New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation
The New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation are taking proactive steps to prepare for the arrival of Tropical Depression Ida, which is expected to bring heavy rains and possible flash floods. NYPA operations personnel have performed storm preparedness procedures, inspected and tested equipment, and personnel are in a position to continue preparing transmission facilities and infrastructure for storm response. NYPA and Canals representatives are in close contact with state, county and local emergency management officials for coordination purposes and will continue communications for the duration of the weather event. NYPA is also participating in mutual assistance planning calls for Louisiana storm response related to this storm and is ready to send the broadcast from NYPA and other personnel if needed.
Canal Corporation
In preparation for the arrival of the Ida Tropical Depression, Canal Corporation preemptively raised the upper gates of its mobile dams along the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River between Lock E-8 in Rotterdam and Lock E-12 in Tribes Hill. The lifting of the upper gates of the mobile dams reduced the water levels and is a necessary action to help mitigate the risk of possible flooding and damage to the Canal assets. The Canal Corporation worked with marinas, boat owners, dock owners and others to notify them of the potential risk of damage from low water levels and the expected timing.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is taking all necessary precautions to protect its transportation network and provide a safe service. MTA agencies are working closely, coordinating with local partners to develop plans in the event that service is affected. The MTA is pre-placing essential backup equipment on the agency’s commuter rail, subway, and bridges and tunnels. On the subway, maintenance personnel will inspect track drains in flood-prone areas and prepare track pumps and storm boxes.
The MTA encourages customers to take extra precautions when traveling during heavy rain and high winds. This includes allowing extra travel time, being extra cautious when walking on platforms and ladders, keeping an eye out for slippery conditions, and keeping an eye out for foliage or cables that may have fallen.
Port Authority
The Port Authority continues to monitor weather conditions at all its facilities. Passengers are encouraged to check with their carriers regarding flight status before heading to LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy Airport, as airlines anticipate potential delays and possible cancellations due to weather. Speed restrictions and possible truck and motorcycle bans will be imposed at Port Authority crossings if conditions such as strong winds justify it.
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