Flood Watches Extended by NWS for the Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service has extended its Flood Watches for Hudson Valley counties. The advisory was pushed out this morning by 24 hours, all the way into Friday at 2 p.m., in Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties. In Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia and Greene counties, it stretches into Saturday morning.

For the Mid Hudson Valley, the NWS had this to say:

River levels are elevated across the region and the ground is quite saturated from the recent rainfall and snow melt.

Another storm system will bring a widespread 1 to 2 inches of rainfall to the area today into Friday. This rainfall, along with some additional runoff from snow melt, will allow for many rivers to reach or exceed flood stage. The upper Hudson River, Hoosic River and Housatonic River basins will be the most susceptible to flooding.

In addition to river flooding, some minor flooding of urban, low lying and poor drainage areas is possible this afternoon when the heaviest rainfall is expected. Ponding of water will lead to some road closures and standing water will be present in fields and yards.

"With a system like this, we’ll have to watch the radar to see exactly how the rain showers develop… but it’s best to expect periods of rain showers through out the day, with a potential rumble of thunder later this afternoon," said Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather. "Grab the umbrella, you’ll likely need it at several points today."

For the lower Hudson Valley, the NWS predicts this:

Rainfall, heavy at times, through this afternoon before gradually decreasing from west to east Tonight. Thunderstorms with locally heavier rainfall rates of at least 1 inch per hour are also possible, especially during this afternoon. Any new rainfall will exacerbate already swollen rivers and streams.

Total rainfall of around one to two inches expected, with locally higher amounts possible especially with any thunderstorms. In addition to the potential for river flooding, urban and small stream flooding remains likely.

Map: NOAA