Roads closed, State of Emergency declared in Orange due to flooding

More rain fell in parts of the Hudson Valley on Sunday than would typically fall during an entire summer, according to meteorologist Ben Knoll.  Officials are calling it a “once in a 1,000-year event.”

Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for Orange County on Sunday night, opening up resources including additional New York State Swift Water Teams after more than eight inches of rain fell during a few hours on Sunday afternoon, leaving roads like the Palisades Parkway completely flooded, washing out parts of Metro North’s train tracks on the Hudson line, and leaving more than 12,000 people in Putnam, Dutchess, Albany, Ulster and Orange counties without power. In addition to countless rescues by first responders, over 700 train passengers were evacuated from Metro North in Putnam County.

One fatality has been reported as a result of the flash floods. A 43-year-old woman from Fort Montgomery went outside her house with her fiancé and dog to see the flowing water and was swept away, according to the governor. Her remains were found in a ravine, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus added during a press conference on Monday.

Officials urged residents to heed road closure notices, and not to drive through flooded waters. Only two feet of water can sweep away a vehicle. “Many cars that tried to go for it, got stuck,” Neuhaus said. “They added to the damage we had to do here.” The county executive estimates there is tens of millions of dollars in damage.

NYS Senator James Skoufis said that “critical infrastructure was completely destroyed, and the full extent of damage to public and private property will take many weeks to fully assess.”

“Make no mistake,” the governor said. “This is our new normal. We are the first generation to feel the impacts of climate change and the last generation with a shot at doing anything about it.”

The latest updates on road closures and more can be found on the HVNY Twitter feed and in the HVNY Instagram Stories.

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Sources:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-declares-state-emergency-orange-county-excessive-rains-cause-flash-flooding

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