Severe weather conditions, including high winds and flooding, could impact New York State this weekend.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is urging residents to begin preparing their homes and families for heavy rains and potential flooding and the possible arrival of Hurricane Joaquin later this week.

The Governor also reminds New Yorkers to sign up for NY-Alert at https://users.nyalert.gov to receive immediate alerts on flood warnings and severe storms.

The storm, currently moving through the State, will bring at least three to six inches of rain through Thursday, October 1 for many parts of the state.

The heaviest rainfall bands are now moving from the southern Adirondacks to the Capital District, and east to the northern Taconics. By noon, the heaviest rains should move out of New York State; light rain and showers will continue through the afternoon.

Flood Watches are currently in effect for the following counties:

• Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Yates – until noon today
  Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie Ulster, Warren, Washington – until Thursday morning
  Essex – until late Wednesday night.

From Wednesday, September 30 through Friday, October 2, the combination of strong northerly winds, saturated ground, and leaves still on trees will bring the potential for downed trees and scattered power outages. Another possible round of rain this weekend from Hurricane Joaquin will increase the potential for widespread flash flooding and minor coastal flooding.

Governor Cuomo urges New Yorkers to take the following actions:

• Know your weather terms – A flash flood “watch” indicates flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area. When a watch is issued, be alert and ready to take action. A flash flood “warning” means flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent. You should take necessary precautions and actions at once.
• Stock up on emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water, to last for more than 72 hours or three days.
• Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the “emergency family contact” and make sure all family members know that number.
• Designate a family emergency meeting point – a familiar location where the family can meet in case the home is inaccessible.
• Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need to be called, including schools, doctors, child/senior care providers, and insurance agents.
• Know the hurricane / storm risks in your area, including storm surge history.
• Learn about your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.
• Start thinking about where to relocate your pets during a storm.
• Stock up on prescribed medicines and prepare supplies for persons with special needs such as children, the elderly, and infirm.
• Check on neighbors to ensure they are aware of the potential danger and what they need to do to prepare for the storm.

(YWN Desk – NYC)