UPDATE: Severe Storms Sweeping Through The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The lower Hudson Valley could get up to two inches of rain Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service predicts. Severe local thunderstorms are moving through the region. Damaging hail and high winds have been reported. Con Ed has issued tips for power outages.

• Flash Flood Watch in effect from June 19, 12:00 PM EDT until June 20, 04:00 AM EDT
• Hazardous Weather Outlook
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect from June 19, 11:15 AM EDT until June 19, 08:00 PM EDT

The NWS says:

Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across the area from this afternoon into tonight ahead of a slow moving cold front. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms have the potential to move across the same area, leading to flash flooding.

* Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected across the watch area, with locally higher amounts possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

Con Edison will have crews available to respond to any power outages caused by lightning or winds knocking trees into power lines.

Customers can report downed power lines, outages and check service restoration status atwww.conEd.com or by calling 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power.

Customers who report outages will be contacted by Con Edison with their estimated restoration times as they become available. To view how power is restored watch here.

Con Edison offers a number of mobile solutions so you can manage your accounts, report and check the status of an outage, learn energy-saving tips, and more. Text REG to OUTAGE (688243) to sign up for text notifications, and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your Con Edison account number to complete the registration process. Once you've registered, you will not need your account number to report or check the status of a power problem.

Or visit us here to stay on top of outages and power problems by signing up for text notifications.

SAFETY TIPS

Con Edison offers the following storm tips to customers to help weather the possible effects of a storm:

· If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move them or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by, tree limbs, leaves or water.

· Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.

· If your power goes out, disconnect or turn off appliances that would otherwise turn on automatically when service is restored. If several appliances start up at once, the electric circuits may overload.

· Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are in working order. Make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on restorations of electrical service can be heard on most local radio and television stations.

· For more storm tips and preparation, go to www.conEd.com

Customers can follow Con Edison on Twitter or like us on Facebook for general outage updates, safety tips and storm preparation information.

In addition, the company is in close contact with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services to coordinate storm-response if needed.