Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch Expanded In Hudson Valley

EDITORS NOTE: At 11:18 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service upgraded the tropical storm watch for northern Westchester, Putnam, Orange and Rockland counties to a tropical storm warning.

A tropical storm warning for Westchester, Putnam, Orange and Rockland counties, along with New York City, northeastern New Jersey, Long Island and southwestern Connecticut, was issued Monday.

Residents should plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force and flooding rain of 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts.

Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to reach hurricane strength Monday as it tracks up the eastern seaboard.

A flash flood watch was issued for Dutchess and Ulster counties.

The severe weather will kick off with showers and thunderstorms overnight Monday, mainly after 3 a.m.

Although Isaias will slowly weaken as it accelerates northeast, tropical storm-force winds are predicted to arrive Tuesday, and the Weather Forecast Office predicts lower Westchester County and New York City will have a chance of seeing sustained tropical storm-force winds.

Dangerous marine conditions are likely across coastal waters Tuesday.

Inland, "a widespread heavy rainfall is likely, with rainfall amounts between 2”-6” possible," said Hudson Valley Weather.

The heaviest rain is most likely to occur across New York City, northeast New Jersey and the lower Hudson Valley early Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. The strongest winds are likely to occur across the New York City metro area, Long Island and coastal Connecticut.

Dangerous marine conditions are likely across all coastal waters Tuesday and Tuesday night.

High surf and dangerous rip currents are expected along the ocean beaches Monday through Wednesday.

Rain

• Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
• Rivers and streams may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
• In hilly terrain, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys, and increase susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides.
• Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
• Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Wind

• Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across Southeast New York, Northeast New Jersey, and Southern Connecticut. Potential impacts include:
• Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
• Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over.
• Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
• Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

The National Weather Service says Monday is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property.

• Make sure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
• Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.
• Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, Turn Around Don`t Drown!
• Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge prone area, you could find yourself cut off by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
• If in a place that is vulnerable to high winds, such as near large trees, a mobile home, upper floors of a high rise building, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.
• If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.