Flood Warnings Issued Christmas Morning Across The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service issued flood warnings in the Hudson Valley early Christmas morning as tens of thousands of people lost power in the high winds and drenching rain.

A flood warning was issued for the Hudson River at Poughkeepsie. Flood stage is 5.0 feet. At 3:30 AM EST Friday the stage was 3.3 feet. The river will rise to 5.7 feet this morning, the NWS said, causing minor flooding of lowlands, boat docks and boat launches. Water is expected to cover State Route 213 in Eddyville.

Rain and snowmelt in Ulster County will cause flooding. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen with up to 5 inches expected in some areas.

Also, a warning was issued for Rockland County, southern Westchester and southeastern Orange County. The NWS said that at 6:35 a.m., Doppler radar indicated one final area of moderate to heavy rain to move through through 8:30 a.m.

"Water levels are running high across several quick reacting streams and creeks in the warned area. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," forecasters said.

The southern end of the valley has already clocked from 1 - 1.5 inches of rain, the NWS said. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1/2 inch are likely, in addition to any remaining snowmelt.

Due to flooding, as of 4 a.m., the Bronx River Parkway was closed northbound at Harney and Southbound Crane roads. The Hutchinson River Parkway was closed southbound at Hutchinson Blvd. to E. Lincoln Ave.

Putnam County and northern Westchester remain under flood watch. Excessive runoff in areas of low lying and poor drainage as well as urban areas could result in flooding. Some area rivers and streams may overflow their banks.

Moderate to locally heavy rain will continue early this morning. The rain will lighten and eventually end late this morning into the afternoon. Total rainfall of 2 to 3 inches with localized
higher amounts is expected.

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

The eastern Catskills were expected to receive up to 6 inches of rain.

Freezing of standing water is possible Friday night.

Keep checking with Patch for updates.