Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday declared a statewide State of Emergency as the remnants of Debby have begun to cause severe flooding in communities throughout New York. The system is currently moving north/northeast through the state and has already caused flash flood emergencies in Steuben and Allegany Counties. As the system continues to move through New York, there is also a growing risk of severe thunderstorms with the possibility of tornadoes in the eastern half of the state. Swift water rescue teams have already been deployed to impacted areas to support local rescue operations and the state stands ready to support impacted localities with any and all resources.
“With the remnants of Debby making its way across New York, I am declaring a statewide State of Emergency, and my administration stands ready to support impacted communities,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies have activated swift water rescue teams for impacted regions that require assistance, and it is important for New Yorkers to remain vigilant and stay off the roads.”
Flood Watches and Warnings remain in effect for much of the state and Tornado Watches have been issued for portions of the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, North Country and Mohawk Valley. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to their cell phone or computer.
Severe Weather Safety Tips
Disaster Supplies:
Have supplies on hand, including:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards
Flash Flooding Safety Tips:
- Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
- If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
- Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips:
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
- Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
- If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
- Get out of boats and away from water.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
- Do not take a bath or shower.
- Turn off air conditioners — power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
- Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible.
- Do not attempt to drive to safety — most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.
- If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.
- If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees.
- If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.
Tornado Safety Tips
- If outdoors and a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
- If at home or in a small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
- If in a school, hospital, or shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
- If in a high-rise building, go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use elevators — use stairs instead.
For more safety tips, visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.
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