Hochul warns of flood risks and persistent power outages

New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents Tuesday evening of two major storm-related problems that were likely to persist after the system continues to develop: widespread power outages and the risk of flooding in certain parts of the state.

In an interview with Spectrum News, a cable television company, Ms. Hochul said that 52,000 households in New York — most of them in the western part of the state — were without power after heavy winds knocked out power lines. She predicted the numbers would rise overnight – and she was right. By 10 p.m., the number had nearly tripled to about 143,000. according to data from the site poweroutage.com.

Restoring power was not an easy matter, she added, as the trucks carrying out repairs could not operate as long as the wind gusts remained strong.

“We are asking families to look out for each other and keep an eye on the neighbours,” Ms Hochul said.

The governor said she was also “very concerned” about the threat of flooding, especially in the Hudson Valley, where a massive rainstorm swept away cars and killed one person last summer.

“That’s what we’re dealing with, not just today, but over the next few days, with the snow melting and the 4 inches of rain that’s coming,” she said.

According to the National Weather Service, by 10 p.m., precipitation totals in and around New York City ranged from an average of three-quarters of an inch to an inch and three-quarters. Similar totals were recorded from the Catskills to the mid-Hudson Valley, with the highest total being about two inches in Rockland County.

Ms. Hochul’s advice to New Yorkers?

“We need people to please stay home,” she said, adding that “it doesn’t take much for your vehicle to be swept away.” Even a few inches of rain can be treacherous.”