Saturday, August 10, 2024 New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide state of emergency on Friday. Remnants of Hurricane Debby brought heavy rains, strong winds and the potential for severe flooding across the Tri-State Area disrupting air travel. The governor’s office cited a growing risk of severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes in the eastern half of the state, necessitating swift and coordinated emergency response efforts.
Severe Weather Triggers Statewide Emergency Governor Hochul’s declaration followed the issuance of a tornado warning in Orange County, New York, which briefly alarmed residents. Although the tornado watch was lifted around 8 p.m.
, the state remains on high alert as remnants of Debby continue to pose a threat. With the remnants of Debby making their way across New York, Governor Hochul announced a statewide State of Emergency. New York City Prepares for Storm Damage In New York City, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reported over 150 incidents of downed trees by Friday afternoon, with the most significant damage occurring in Queens, where a massive tree fell on a house.
As the storm advances, the city’s suburbs are bracing for further disruptions. Long Island and Power Providers Ready for Impact On Long Island, Town of Hempstead road crews were on standby as flooding concerns shifted to wind-related issues. Town Supervisor Don Clavin emphasized the importance of preparing for strong winds, noting that they often lead to flying debris and fallen branches.
PSEG Long Island, the region’s primary power provider, had mobilized additional resources, including 100 mutual aid workers, to address potential power outages. Con Edison Warns of Power Outages In the greater New York City area, Con Edison prepared for widespread power outages, particularly in areas with fully leafed trees that are more susceptible to being uprooted by strong winds. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus noted that saturated grounds, combined with high winds, pose a significant risk of downed limbs and trees.
Con Edison urged residents to report downed wires immediately and to treat them as live and dangerous. MTA Takes Precautions Against Flooding and Wind Damage The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) implemented comprehensive measures to safeguard the city’s transit infrastructure. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber highlighted the agency’s efforts to manage the storm’s impact, including tying down equipment and securing bus depots and construction sites.
Flooding remains a concern at several subway stations, particularly in areas like Washington Heights. MTA crews have been deployed to flood-prone locations, and track drains and water pumps have been checked across the system. In response to high winds, the MTA banned empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from its bridges, a measure that will likely remain in place until Saturday morning.
Mayor Urges Mass Transit Use New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to rely on mass transit instead of driving during the storm. “We saw earlier this week that many vehicles were stuck on highways due to flooding. It’s crucial to use mass transportation and avoid low-lying areas if possible,” the mayor advised during an interview with a news channel.
National Guard and Emergency Services on High Alert To bolster the state’s emergency response capabilities, the New York National Guard has deployed at least 100 members ready to assist as needed. Meanwhile, Metro-North’s Harlem Line suspended service between Crestwood and White Plains due to downed trees, and weather-related delays were reported between Goldens Bridge and Brewster. Air Travel and Sports Events Affected The remnants of Debby also caused significant disruptions at New York City’s major airports, with delays averaging 30 to 60 minutes and hundreds of flights canceled.
The Yankees postponed Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers, rescheduling it for a single-admission doubleheader on Saturday. Tornado and Storm Damage in the Region The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-0 tornado occurred in Ulster County, crossing the New York State Thruway near exit 18 in New Paltz. The tornado, which had peak wind speeds of 76 mph, uprooted several trees and caused minor damage.
Despite the tornado warning issued earlier in Orange County, no touchdowns were reported there. Across the Tri-State Area, gusty winds downed trees and utility lines, leading to power outages and hazardous conditions for commuters. The New York City Office of Emergency Management received over 360 reports of downed trees, with significant damage reported in the Bronx and Queens.
Calm After the Storm As the storm moves out of the region, the weather is expected to calm significantly. However, high surf and rip current alerts remain in effect through Saturday. Residents are advised to exercise caution if heading to the beach.
A mostly tranquil week is forecasted, offering a much-needed respite after the storm’s impact. For ongoing updates and emergency advisories, residents should monitor the New York State website and official channels for the latest information..
