Authorities in New York declared a state of emergency after floods and heavy rains inundated the city on Sunday, causing bridges to be washed away and trapping citizens in their cars and inside their homes. The situation also led to power outages for thousands of residents. Cathy Hochul, the governor of the city, announced a state of emergency in Orange and Ontario counties, stating that the water levels have reached a point where people’s lives are at risk.
Heavy rains fell on Sunday in the state of New York, causing “life-threatening” floods that turned roads into waterways, sweeping away bridges, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.
A woman was killed while attempting to leave her home with her dog in the Hudson Valley area when she was swept away by the water, according to media reports.
The governor of the state, Kathy Hochul, declared a state of emergency in Orange County, northwest of New York City, and in Ontario County in the central part of the state, noting that up to 200 millimeters of rain created “life-threatening conditions because of the floods.”
She stated, “We are approaching a critical phase in these weather conditions.” The governor’s office mentioned that the state should be prepared for more storms on Monday.
By Sunday evening, electricity had been cut off for over 12,000 customers, according to her office.
The heavy rains flooded roads and trapped citizens in their cars and homes.
The National Weather Service reported that they were “receiving multiple reports of dangerous flooding and people stranded in vehicles in the eastern part of Orange County.”
Drivers were cautioned to exercise caution.
Since 20:00 (24:00 GMT), the highways have been submerged in water in at least five counties, including Westchester County adjacent to New York City to the north, which shares borders with the Hudson River.
They added, “Heavy rainfall from slow-moving thunderstorms is expected to continue causing widespread and isolated flash flooding of rivers tonight into Monday.”
