NYS is preparing for thunderstorms, heavy rain until Friday

ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) – Governor Kathy Hochul has instructed state agencies to prepare for the upcoming thunderstorms and heavy rain in New York. The thunderstorms are possible in the Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island.

Heavy rainfall can cause road flooding and water congestion in low-lying areas. Some storms can contain noxious winds that can cause fallen trees and power lines.

“I have instructed state authorities to prepare emergency measures and be ready to help local governments if necessary,” said Hochul. “New Yorkers should pay attention to the weather and always have a plan ready in an emergency.”

Preparations include:

The Ministry of Transport

• 1,329 large dump trucks
• 294 large loaders
• 80 crawler and wheeled excavators
• 73 hackers
• 19 graders
• 16 suction trucks with waste water nozzles
• 15 tree crew bucket trucks

Motorway Authority

• 659 operators and regulators ready to respond to any wind or flood problem
• 205 large dump trucks
• 112 small dump trucks
• 62 loaders
• 28 followers
• 6 vacuum trucks
• 9 crawler excavators
• 10 wheeled excavators
• 10 brush chippers
• 99 chainsaws
• 22 pallet trucks
• 21 Skid Steer Loaders
• 87 Portable Generators
• 65 portable light units

The Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, and the Department of Public Service are some of the other agencies ready to help if needed.

Hochul also recommends that New Yorkers be prepared for extreme weather. Safety tips include:

• Know the county you live in and the names of the surrounding cities. Severe weather warnings are issued at the district level.
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to safe, high-altitude terrain in case you are in a hurry.
• Develop and practice a “family escape” plan and identify a meeting point if family members are separated.
• Make a detailed list of all valuables, including furnishings, clothing, and other personal belongings. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Store emergency supplies of canned food, medicines and first aid supplies, as well as drinking water. Keep drinking water in clean, closed containers
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and emergency cooking equipment ready.
• Refuel your car. If the power goes out, gas stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small emergency kit in the trunk of your car.
• Have disaster supplies ready

For a full list of weather advisories, see your area’s National Weather Service website.