MidHudsonNews reports:

Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau Friday declared a 24-hour state of emergency in the towns of Callicoon, Delaware and Rockland because of flooding conditions.

Sullivan County Emergency Management officials are urging residents in low lying areas predominatnly in the towns of Callicoon, Delaware and Rockland to be prepared for imminent flooding conditions as result of the continued rain. Residents of areas of Jeffersonville were being evacuated Friday afternoon because of floodwaters.

“I strongly urge any resident who lives near a stream, creek or river to be prepared and alert as this storm progresses, and to take preventative measures to protect their property through sandbags, etc. Outdoor, moveable property should be secured, and indoor property should be put up in case of flooding in the home,” said County Manager David Fanslau. “Furthermore, in case of emergency, all residents in these areas should make preparations to vacate their home if conditions warrant, and are strongly urged to comply with any and all reasonable requests from law enforcement or emergency responders during the emergency.”

The New York State Department of Transportation announced the closures of State Route 52 eastbound and westbound from County Road 128 in Jeffersonville to County Road 149 in Youngsville due to storm damage. State Route 52A eastbound and westbound from State Route 17B to State Route 52 is closed due to storm damage in the town of Callicoon, Sullivan County. These closures are effective immediately and will remain in place indefinitely. Local detours will be in effect.

Several showers and thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and taper off by early morning.

The storms are expected to bring 1 ½ to two inches across the region with locally higher amounts, possibly as much as four inches.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation, said the National Weather Service. The agency advises people monitor their local forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.