NY State EP Alert 7.31.2025|Widespread Heavy Rain and Flooding
HCP joins Governor Hochul in urging New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding today into tomorrow.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the Flash Flood risk to moderate in some counties. Up to a 70% chance of flash flooding is predicted as heavily affected areas could receive five inches of rain. Rainfall rate could exceed two inches per hour in some areas. Subways and basements are especially prone to flood risk.
Flood watches are in place for New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon August 1, 2025. Significant rainfall is also expected in the Southern Tier, Upper Mid-Hudson, and Capital Regions.
Most of the rain is expected this afternoon and evening. Some roads may be impassable as soon as tonight’s commute, most likely around underpasses and roads with poor drainage. Employers are urged to release staff early whenever feasible.
The governor is declaring a State of Emergency in Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and Contiguous Counties. Water rescue teams have already begun staging in Orange and Ulster counties.
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.
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.
Encourage staff and patients to prepare by educating themselves before an incident affects them. See the HCP Emergency Management Video focused on flooding – it’s new this year.
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, and 333111. These NYS Mass Notification Systems warn citizens promptly of emergencies and provide other critical information.