Huge swathes of the Northeast are on high alert as the region braces for potentially catastrophic flooding following a severe storm that has already caused significant damage and claimed at least one life. The torrential downpours, reminiscent of 2011’s Hurricane Irene, dumped more than eight inches of rain in some areas, leading to the destruction of roads and bridges and leaving thousands without power.
In upstate New York, the Hudson Valley experienced widespread waterlogging, with some roads completely washed away by the floods. The storm is now forecasted to continue in parts of upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Flash flood alerts have been issued, affecting approximately 25 million Americans.
ICYMI…
Bear Mountain, Hudson Valley, NY
Road collapsed – Rte 218 from Cornwall to West Point. pic.twitter.com/dpmgCw3QQi
— MAN OF THE DECADE – Trump 2024 (@TrumpMAGADONIAN) July 10, 2023
My cousins yard and water filled basement near Peekskill, NY. A lot of people in the Hudson Valley of NY are in a similar situation. pic.twitter.com/D0fj2jvcqa
— Bill Karins 💧 (@BillKarins) July 10, 2023
The storm’s impact has been devastating, with reports of collapsed bridges, impassable roads, and numerous residents trapped in their homes. One fatality has been confirmed in Highland Falls, Westchester, where a woman tragically drowned while attempting to evacuate. Locals describe the event as a “1,000-year rain event,” evoking memories of the deadly Hurricane Irene that struck the East Coast in 2011, claiming the lives of 49 people.
@nbcnewyork
Unbelievable flooding devastated communities like Highland Falls in the Hudson Valley when a slow-moving storm system dumped upwards of 10 in of rain. Cars, homes & even roads have been damaged as residents sheltered inside for safety.#NY #NewYork pic.twitter.com/jSwEMcb4Pu— 🄴🄻ϻ🄴🅁 🄵µ🄳🄳 ✝️ (@Elmr_Fudd_again) July 10, 2023
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare “high risk” warning due to the severity of the storms. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in several counties, as power outages affected thousands of homes. Emergency response efforts are underway, with all available resources deployed to search and rescue operations.
In New York City, a red weather warning, also rare, was issued for the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. Basement-level tenants were advised to seek higher ground to prepare for potential flooding. The storm’s impact has disrupted transportation, with Amtrak suspending services between New York City and Albany, and over 1,500 flights delayed at major airports in New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia.
The destructive force of the storm expanded beyond New York, reaching Ontario County in neighboring states. Nearly 100 homes have been impacted, displacing residents who have sought shelter provided by the American Red Cross. Flash flood warnings have also been extended to Connecticut, including Stamford and Greenwich, and further into Massachusetts.
Governor Hochul expressed concern over the extraordinary amount of water, acknowledging the challenging days ahead for affected communities. Local officials estimated that the repairs needed to address the massive water damage could take months. County executives and state senators reported widespread devastation, including washed-away homes and vital infrastructure.