Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has urged New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms that will be moving through the state starting Thursday afternoon and ending on Saturday, a release published on the Governor’s Office website stated
According to the release, heavy downpours are possible and could cause flooding in low lying, urban or poor drainage areas. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2.5 inches are expected Thursday through Friday in western New York and the Finger Lakes Region. This heavy rain will fall on already saturated soils. The rain will move across the state and the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson and Mohawk Valley can expect 2 to 4 inches of precipitation by the time the rain ends on Saturday.
“With several systems of heavy rain set to move through New York in the next few days, I am urging New Yorkers to use caution when traveling and to be aware of potential flash floods throughout upstate,” Governor Cuomo said. “The state is ready to provide assets and personnel as necessary to ensure localities have the resources they need to deal with potential flooding and to keep our communities safe.”
In western New York and the Finger Lakes Region, a slow moving front and area of low pressure will bring periods of rain Thursday through Friday. The heaviest rain will fall Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, and may result in minor flooding. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2.5 inches are expected. Flood Watches have been posted for western New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Erie and Wyoming counties and will be in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. Minor flooding is possible along creeks and rivers. High pressure will bring a return to dry weather on Sunday and Monday.
The Capital Region, Mid-Hudson and Mohawk Valley will experience 2-3 inches of rain Thursday and Friday before the rain ends by midday on Saturday. Noticeable rises will take place on waterways Friday night through Saturday, while mainstream river flooding is not expected at this time, smaller rivers and streams could experience issues.
For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings, visit the National Weather Service website.
