Flood Warning Issued For Ramapo River In Orange, Rockland

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Wednesday morning for Orange and Rockland counties in New York and Bergen and Passaic counties in New Jersey around the Ramapo River.

Minor flooding has been occurring since the river passed flood stage early Wednesday. It's in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday.

Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. "Turn around, don`t drown" when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely.

At 8:30 AM EDT Wednesday the stage was 8.9 feet. Flood stage is 8.0 feet.

The river is expected to fall below flood stage late this evening and continue falling to 5.4 feet early Saturday morning.

Impact: At 9.0 feet, State Route 202 floods downstream. Moderate flooding along Route 202 and Route 17. Water into backyards. Minor flooding along Brakeshoe Place, Brook Street and Catherine Avenue.

Flood History: This crest compares to a previous crest of 8.9 feet on Nov. 12, 1995, the NWS said. The next statement will be issued at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Clarkstown police reported reopening the westbound side of flooded Route 59.