NWS expands NY flood warning to include Rockland, central Westchester. What to know
A flash flood warning issued earlier Monday was extended by the NWS in Upton to include Rockland and central Westchester, and is in effect until 12:15 a.m. Tuesday.
At around 6:10 p.m., "local law enforcement reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 3 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring," the NWS said.
The areas that may experience flash flooding Monday include: New City, Ossining, Monsey, Nanuet, Ramsey, Tarrytown, Suffern, Nyack, Tappan, Pearl River, Hawthorne, Orangeburg, Upper Nyack, Spring Valley, Valley Cottage, Park Ridge, Airmont, Congers, Upper Saddle River and Chestnut Ridge.
Stay safe: Are you ready for a flood? What to know, how to prep for flooding in Lower Hudson Valley
"Move to higher ground now! This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation," the NWS warning reads. "Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.
"Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services urged residents to avoid travel and stay off roadways until conditions improve Monday.
"The forecast for this evening includes severe thunderstorms, high winds, and potential for flash flooding. DES is closely monitoring the situation, and is prepared to respond as needed," a statement from county officials reads.
Video of flooding posted to Instagram by Anthony Rizzardi showed water inundating the parking lot at the Kohl's in Nanuet, with a BMW submerged up past its headlights.
A video posted to TikTok by user @ramapo.buffs shows multiple people rescued from a flooded vehicle by Chaverim of Rockland at Francis Place and Morris Road in Spring Valley.
A photo posted by Instagram user @rocklandbuff shows people escaping a flooded vehicle through an open sunroof in Spring Valley.
"Spring Valley, S Pascack Rd & Pipetown Hill Rd," the post reads. "FD dive teams requested for a car stuck in water with entrapment."
There were several roads closed after 6 p.m. due to flooding impacts, according to the New York State Department of Transportation.
Westchester officials noted that the Bronx River Parkway was closed between Westchester County Center and Main Street in White Plains, and that several roads were closed in the areas surrounding Westchester Medical Center.
New York State Police posted a number of road closures to Facebook Monday evening.
"The Taconic State Parkway is closed in both directions (northbound and southbound) near mile marker 1.6 (Commerce St) in the Town of Mount Pleasant due to flooding," the post reads. "The Sprain Brook Parkway is also closed in both directions (northbound and southbound) near mile marker 11.0 (Hospital Road) in the Town of Mount Pleasant due to flooding."
In addition to the flood warning in Rockland and central Westchester, a flood watch continues to be in effect for southern Westchester until midnight on Tuesday.
According to the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, in the event of flooding, people should:
Stay alert for signs of heavy rain, such as thunder and lighting, and keep and eye out for rising water levels.
Know where high ground is and get there fast if they see or hear rapidly rising water.
Be particularly cautious at night, which is when it's tougher to recognize the danger.
Not cross flowing water that may be more than knee-deep. If any doubts, don't cross.
Not drive through flooded areas.
If someone's car stalls in a flooded place, the person should abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.
(This story may update.)
Contributing: lohud's Michael P. McKinney
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NWS warns of 'life threatening' Westchester, Rockland NY flooding
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