A flash flood warning has been issued for parts of the Hudson Valley as slow-moving thunderstorms continue to produce heavy rainfall Tuesday.
The National Weather Service in Upton issued the warning at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday for portions of Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties. The warning remains in effect until 7:15 p.m.
Flash flooding already occurring
According to the National Weather Service, radar indicated thunderstorms had already dropped between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain across the warned area.
Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are expected, with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain possible through the evening.
Forecasters said flash flooding is already occurring or expected across the region.
Flooding could impact:
- Small creeks and streams
- Urban areas
- Roads and highways
- Underpasses
- Low-lying and poor-drainage locations
Communities included in the warning
The flash flood warning includes parts of
southeastern Orange County, western Putnam County, Rockland County and northern Westchester County.
Communities that could experience flooding include:
- New City
- Ossining
- Peekskill
- Monsey
- Nanuet
- Haverstraw
- Tarrytown
- Suffern
- Mahopac
- Monroe
- Nyack
- West Point
- Tappan
- Sloatsburg
- Cold Spring
- New Windsor
- Pearl River
- Orangeburg
- Pomona
- Harriman
What is the difference between a flood watch and a flash flood warning?
A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding to develop.
A flash flood warning means flash flooding is occurring or is imminent and immediate action should be taken if you are in a flood-prone area.
Flood safety tips
The National Weather Service urges residents to:
- Turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads.
- Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.
- Stay away from flooded creeks, streams and drainage areas.
- Avoid walking through floodwater. As little as 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet.
- Keep children away from floodwaters, which can hide debris, strong currents and other hazards.
- Monitor weather alerts and be prepared to act if conditions worsen.
Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, according to the National Weather Service. Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Flash flood warning issued for parts of the Hudson Valley. See impacted areas
