More rain is in the forecast for five of the next seven days, including Tuesday afternoon, but the fallout from last weekend’s severe thunderstorms appears to be mostly resolved.
A flood watch expired at 6 a.m. Tuesday, and according to Con Edison’s outage map, electricity has been restored to most area homes. About 250 Rye residents remained without power Monday afternoon, according to Rye police, more than 36 hours after the conclusion of Saturday night’s severe thunderstorms.
“Due to current conditions and the anticipated weather, full power restoration is not expected until Tuesday,” the police department said in a Monday social media update.
As of noon Tuesday, the National Weather Service forecasted a 40 percent chance of rain later in the day, with a 50 percent chance of more thunderstorms Thursday and Friday.
Clearer skies Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning provided a welcome break following the downpour and thunderstorms that began Saturday night and continued through the weekend. The conditions led to flash flood warnings, especially Monday afternoon.
As of Monday, roads that remained closed included:
- Manursing Way to the beach clubs
- Forest Avenue from Grace Church Street to Manursing Avenue
- Forest Avenue from Elmwood Avenue to Oakland Beach Avenue
- Brevoort Lane from Rye Road to Lake Road (partially open)
Instead of fireworks celebrating the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday, Saturday night skies were filled with flashes of lightning. Festivities planned in Rye and surrounding areas were cancelled, including Playland Park’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Heavy winds and pouring rain downed several trees, closed roads, and caused prolonged power outages in many areas of the city.
“Following last night’s storm, Department of Public Works crews worked throughout the night and into the early morning hours clearing roadways and addressing storm-related damage,” Rye police posted Sunday morning on Facebook. “Their work continues today as crews respond to numerous hazards across the City.
“At this time, there are multiple power outages, downed trees, and live electrical wires throughout the City. Please use extreme caution when traveling and stay away from any downed wires, as they should always be considered energized.”
Photos courtesy of Rye Police Department
To assist residents affected by the outages, the Rye Recreation Center has been temporarily opened to the public as a cooling center and a location where residents may charge their electronic devices.
“Please stay away from downed trees and power lines,” Rye Police warned in a Sunday night Facebook post. “Report any interruption to your electric or gas service directly to Con Edison. Do not assume your outage has already been reported.”
