Westchester County is under a flood watch from 2 p.m. July 31 through 8 a.m. on Aug. 1.
The forecast calls for anywhere from 1.5 to 5 inches of rain, thunderstorms, and high winds on Thursday and Friday. That could cause water levels to rise and drainage to back up – and potentially “an elevated threat to life and property, particularly Thursday afternoon and Thursday night,” according to the National Weather Service.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is encouraging residents to avoid driving if possible.
“Flooded roadways can be unpredictable and dangerous – just a few inches of water can quickly sweep away a vehicle,” Jenkins said in a statement. “Please use caution, stay informed, and allow our emergency crews to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The flooding is supposed to be “locally severe,” according to county officials, which could cause disruptions to transportation from water overflow on underground infrastructure.
The county is advising residents to remain indoors, turn emergency alerts on, and avoid unnecessary travel. Residents are particularly advised to avoid the flood-prone areas of the Bronx River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway and the Sprain Brook Parkway.
The flood watch comes after a three-day heat advisory, where temperatures in Rye climbed to the 90s from Monday through Wednesday.
Apart from Westchester County, flooding is also likely in the whole New York City Metro area, as well as parts of Connecticut, New Jersey, and Orange, Putnam, Richmond, Rockland, and Nassau counties.
