NY State EP Alert 6.19.2025|Severe Weather for Many Areas
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released an alert today, June 19, 2025, regarding an increased risk of thunderstorms this afternoon for some areas of New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Governor Kathy Hochul also posted a press release warning New Yorkers to prepare for extreme heat and potentially severe storms beginning today in the Eastern part of the state. Extreme heat conditions may worsen towards the end of the weekend and continue into next week.
Hochul urged those in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and elsewhere to vote early or by mail to avoid severe weather and high temperatures on Primary Day June 24.
Thunderstorms
NOAA is messaging that the enhanced severe thunderstorm threat is in place between 2:00pm and 10:00pm today. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms could begin as early as 1:00pm across the five boroughs, the lower Hudson Valley, and Northeastern New Jersey. These storms may be strong and severe. Clusters of severe thunderstorms threaten those areas plus Long Island between 4:00pm and 10:00pm today. The risk of severe weather decreases moving west to east.
The primary threat with this event is the accompanying wind gusts of nearly 60mph. Winds can be damaging. There is also a localized threat of damaging hail and potential for flash flooding. Please see below for flooding tips. NOAA is not ruling out the possibility of an isolated tornado.
Weather will continue to be wet Friday and Saturday in some areas, and the North Country can expect the heaviest rain, with the Capital Region also getting stormy late on Saturday.
Extreme Heat
High temperatures and humidity will result in “feels like” temperatures in the high 90s beginning today for New York City, the Mid-Hudson Valley, and as far north as the Capital Region. Starting Sunday, this “feels like” forecast jumps to 100°F for much of the state. Overnight lows for most New Yorkers will only drop to 70-85°F. See below for extreme heat tips.
New York City information on cooling centers.
NYS Cooling Centers map. The Department of Health (DOH/the Department) reminds people to call before they go, as availability may vary.
Department of Health Guidance
Access the Health Commerce System (HCS) regularly to ensure that your contact information is current for active staff members.
Some advice detailed by the Department that is of particular importance to home care providers includes:
- Review your emergency plan, and have caregivers review in-home plans with your patients.
- Include plans for power outages in your communications with staff and patients.
- Ensure that adequate staffing will be available for the duration of the storm events.
- Have staff assist patients with checking for adequate supplies, food, and water.
- Check communication systems; ensure back-up communication modalities are functioning.
- Stay connected with staff, especially those in the field. Touch base frequently, even if there is nothing new to report.
- Provide regular updates to staff and patients on weather conditions and local effects on travel, power, etc.
- Respond promptly to any Health Electronic Response Data System (HERDS) surveys, which are conducted to capture important information for emergency planning, response, and recovery.
Flood Precautions
Driving through thunderstorms can be dangerous.
- Keep both hands on the wheel in case of sudden gusty winds.
- Slow down on wet pavement.
- Prepare for changing visibility due to heavy rain.
Never drive through standing water! 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. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into floodwaters.
Heat Precautions
Health care providers, including home and community-based services agencies, must anticipate and prepare early for an increase in heat-related illnesses and complications among vulnerable populations.
Air conditioning (AC) is the most effective protection during a heat wave but owning and using AC can be a financial burden. Remind those without air conditioning that applications are open for New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program. Eligible individuals are urged to apply as soon as possible as funding frequently runs out quickly.
Other reminders in the Health Advisory include:
- Most who die from heat-related illness do not have or use AC and succumb in their homes.
- Guide people who do not have or use an AC (e.g., due to energy costs) to visit family, friends, or neighbors, even for a couple of hours to stay cool when their home is too hot.
- For people who may use medications that can impair thermoregulation or cause dehydration or who have health conditions sensitive to fluid balance, medication regimens may need adjustments and self-monitoring is critical for safety.
- Monitor weather alerts and check on high-risk patients often during times of extreme heat. Be sure workers are aware of weather conditions and the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
More information for Home Care Providers
Home care providers are urged to be vigilant and stay aware of weather watches and warnings for your area. Recall that a weather WATCH means you need to be prepared, as severe weather is possible. A weather WARNING means you need to take action, as severe weather is expected. In either case, share weather and preparedness information with your patients and staff often. Those in flood-prone areas need to be ready to evacuate when instructed by authorities, or if flooding risks are imminent.
Use your service area zip codes to monitor weather conditions throughout the next several days to keep workers informed, and be sure caregivers keep patients informed of weather alerts at each shift. Monitor specific alerts by area as well.
We encourage all providers and patients to sign up for NY Alert, the state’s Mass Notification System used to warn citizens promptly of emergencies and provide other critical information.