Hazardous Weather: Flood Watch Issued for Lower Hudson Valley

The National Weather Service has issued two notices for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties:

• Flood Watch in effect from April 4, 02:00 AM EDT until April 4, 10:00 PM EDT
• Hazardous Weather Outlook

The reason, says Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather, is that the ground is saturated, particularly from Friday's storm, when ost of the region saw up to an inch and a half of rainfall plus some sleet and snow.

"The storms of March, combined with what we’re expecting for the first 7 days of April, will mean a complete end to any drought concerns," he said.

The NWS says the hazardous weather will persist from late Monday night through Tuesday evening.

Rainfall with an approaching warn front may be heavy at times late Monday night into Tuesday morning. The warm front is expected to lift through parts of the area Tuesday afternoon, and thunderstorms with heavy rain could also occur later in the day on Tuesday, mainly across northeast New Jersey.

Total rainfall of 1 1/2 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts, will likely lead to areal and small stream flooding late Monday night into Tuesday. Some larger rivers may experience minor flooding as well. A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."