Outages, Expanded Flood, Wind Alerts For Hudson Valley

UPDATE: Wind and flood alerts have been expanded and lengthened as a powerful storm slams the Hudson Valley, causing power outages across the tri-state area. The wind advisory has been expanded to the entire region all the way through Thursday.

Expect winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service warns of downed trees, tree limbs and power lines.

As of 9:15 p.m., Central Hudson reported 1,256 customers without power, most of them in Dutchess County. NYSEG reported 196 customers without power in northeast Westchester County. Con Ed and Orange & Rockland Utilities reported a few sporadic outages in Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties.

The flood advisory now includes Rockland and all of Westchester. Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots, the NWS said.

The flood watch for the mid-Hudson Valley has been extended until Friday. Forecast rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches with isolated 4 inches are predicted. By 9 p.m., Dutchess County had already had more than an inch of rain, the NWS said.

On Long Island Sound, gale conditions are expected with seas of 4 to 7 feet. Moderate coastal flooding (inundation of 2 to 3 ft above ground level) is expected at vulnerable coastal locales including southern Westchester County.

NYSEG warned its customers to be prepared for power outages. "The companies’ storm readiness teams have been tracking the storm, holding planning meetings, readying crews and equipment, mobilizing employees for storm duty and have additional contractor tree and line crew personnel ready to help restore service if necessary in the areas predicted to experience the most significant impact. The companies are also coordinating preparations with state and local emergency management authorities," NYSEG officials said in a statement.

Nearly 5,000 Power Outages Reported As Nor'easter Slams LI

10K Lose Power As 'Bomb Cyclone' Nor'easter Impacts NJ (UPDATED)

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Flood alerts have been issued as the bomb cyclone descends on the tri-state area. A hazardous weather outlook is in effect for the mid-Hudson Valley, with a flood watch and wind advisory for Dutchess and Ulster counties. A flood warning has been issued for southern Westchester.

The storm could be a record-setter, from the meteorologist point of view.

Cancellations are also beginning to pour in — from the Yankees playoff game to the Hendrick Hudson and New Rochelle schools.

The National Weather Service changed its forecast for the Sound Shore, upping the inundation prediction to 2-3 feet from 1-2 feet. The warning for southern Westchester County goes into effect at midnight.

TIMING...During the times of high tide from midnight tonight to 4 AM EDT Thursday.

IMPACTS...There is an elevated threat of property damage. Widespread flooding of vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. Expect 2 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level in the most low lying and vulnerable areas. This will result in numerous road closures and cause widespread flooding of low lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront. Vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront will likely become flooded. Flooding will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays.

SHORELINE IMPACTS...Breaking waves of 3 to 5 ft with elevated water levels will result in significant beach erosion and flooding during the times of high tide tonight, with some flooding of roadways and vulnerable structures behind protective dunes.

UNCERTAINTY...If strong southeast winds shift to the northwest before the time of high tide, the wave and flood impacts could be less than forecast.

The hazardous outlook for the mid-Hudson remains.

In addition, a flood watch is in place for Dutchess and Ulster counties. And the National Weather Service issued the wind advisory they predicted might be coming.

FLOOD: Forecast rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches with isolated 4 inches will fall across the region tonight. Rainfall will be heavy at times, resulting in rising water levels on area streams and rivers. Furthermore, low lying areas and blocked storm drains from fallen leaves and debris may experience rising water levels.

WIND: Southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts over 45 mph are possible for the Taconics, Berkshires, northwest hills of Connecticut and southern Green Mountains of Vermont, then Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected across the entire region on Thursday from 8 PM this evening to 8 PM EDT Thursday. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

The problem is that two storm systems are coming in. One system over the Northern Great Lakes is expected to move into New York over the course of Wednesday into Thursday. A second low-pressure system is developing off the coast of Long Island Wednesday night and is expected to strengthen as it moves into New England on Thursday. The combination creates the potential for heavy rain across most of the state, especially for the Hudson Valley.

This storm may set a record.

And in case you didn't know, Game 4 of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees will now be played on Thursday and Game 5 will be held on Friday.