Hazardous Weather Update; Utility Companies Prep For Outages

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service has updated its hazardous outlooks for Saturday into Sunday, when a significant storm system could bring gusty winds and flash flooding to much of the Hudson Valley. Utility companies are prepping for possible outages.

"A rainstorm moving up from the south will coincide with a shift in the jet stream," said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist. "The storm will force drenching rain northward along the mid-Atlantic coast and into New England this weekend."

In Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, locally heavy rainfall this evening through tonight could lead to localized urban flash flooding.

The NWS says for Dutchess and Ulster counties:

Low pressure moving north from the mid-Atlantic states to central New York will produce periods of rain Saturday night with localized heavy rain possible. Localized urban and poor drainage flooding will be possible late Saturday night especially over higher terrain, however widespread flooding is not expected. In addition, stronger wind gusts will be possible across the higher terrain of the Catskills, Taconics, Berkshires, southern Greens and northwest hills of Connecticut overnight.

Utility companies are ready to respond to any outages or other service issues brought on by the gusting winds, which are expected to begin early this evening and last until dawn, and which could knock trees and branches into power lines.

Do not go near or touch downed power lines because they may be live. If you see downed wires, call your local police department.

Con Edison offers these storm tips:

• Do not go near downed wires because they could be live. Never attempt to move them or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by snow, tree limbs, leaves or water.
• Report 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.
• Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on electrical service can be heard on local radio and television stations.

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