WEATHER ALERT: Heavy Rain, Possible Flooding Forecast for Hudson Valley

It has rained so infrequently over the past several months that it’s major news when a heavy rainstorm is headed toward Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.

And that is exactly what we have in the forecast beginning just after Wednesday’s morning commute to work and school.

Most of the region has been in the midst of “moderate drought” conditions and Wednesday’s soaking rains will definitely help in that regard.

Many parts of the area are looking at up to 3 inches of rain, some strong wind gusts, isolated thunderstorms, especially in the evening, and minor flooding concerns, according to the National Weather Service and Hudson Valley Weather.

“As a cold front approaches later this afternoon and evening, winds will begin to increase out of the south winds may become gusty at times as the north/south orientation of the Hudson Valley acts to funnel and enhance these southerly winds,” writes Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather. “This cold front may also spark some strong to severe storms this evening as well, due to what has been a dry spring and summer we are not expecting any river flooding from the 1-3 inches of rain, but flooding of poor drainage areas is possible, be mindful of any downed foliage that may block storm drains. Rain looks to linger into Thursday morning before tapering off, colder air follows in its wake.”

The National Weather Service has issued a “Coastal Flood Advisory” for southern Westchester County between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday for the possibility of minor flooding at the time of high tide. Additionally, the NWS issued a ”Coastal Flood Statement” for 11 p.m. tonight to 1 a.m. Thursday.

• Coastal Flood Advisory
• Coastal Flood Statement

Roads near the immediate coastline could incur some flooding.

Map via AccuWeather.com