Tropical Storm Warning For Parts Of Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — With Tropical Storm Fay heading toward the Hudson Valley, flash flood watches are in effect and local governments are reminding residents to be prepared for severe storms. According a weather service hurricane local statement, Tropical Storm Fay will be making landfall near the New York City area Friday night.

There is a tropical storm warning for southern Westchester in effect until further notice, including New Rochelle, White Plains and Hastings-on-Hudson.

The main threats are locally heavy rainfall, flash flooding and dangerous surf conditions. Peak rainfall amounts for southern Westchester are forecast to be 2 to 4 inches. Winds are expected to be 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 50 mph. However, there is the potential for winds up to 57 mph.

A flash flood watch is still in place for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties until midnight Friday.

For Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties, the flash flood watch begins at noon Friday and remains in effect until noon Saturday.

The National Weather Service said heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms are forecast through this evening for the lower Hudson Valley. A total of 1 to 3 inches of precipitation is expected, with locally higher amounts possible.

For the region, there could be torrential rainfall in a short period of time leading to flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer issued a statement Friday reminding residents to review their emergency plans and stock up on necessary supplies in order to be prepared during hurricane season.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of various items in our stores in recent months," he said. "I am once again urging our residents to replenish those supplies in case they have to shelter-in-place without power or evacuate their homes on short notice.

"Severe storms can occur at any time," he said.

People are recommended to create a disaster preparedness kit that includes 1 gallon of water per person per day; a three-day supply of canned, packaged or other foods that do not need refrigeration or need to be cooked; a manual can opener and eating utensils; flashlights and batteries; a first aid kit; and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Foods that can be stored include ready-to-eat canned meats and fish; protein or fruit bars; dry cereal and granola; peanut butter; nuts; crackers and canned fruit juice.

Here is the forecast for southern Westchester from the National Weather Service through the weekend:

• Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 78. East wind 10 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Friday Night: Tropical storm conditions expected. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3am, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
• Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 96. South wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
• Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Here is an hour-by-hour forecast for southern Westchester: