Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency in 32 counties across New York as a dangerous combination of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and a multi-day heat wave impacts much of the state. The declaration comes after intense weather battered parts of the North Country, Central New York, and the Southern Tier early Sunday morning and amid forecasts of “feels like” temperatures climbing well above 100°F through midweek.
The emergency declaration includes key population centers from Albany and Westchester to Broome and Onondaga counties, as well as all five boroughs of New York City.
Heat Advisories and Warnings Cover Nearly the Entire State
The National Weather Service has issued a mix of Heat Advisories and an Extreme Heat Warning affecting nearly every region of New York. The most intense conditions are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, with high humidity and temperatures combining for heat index values between 95°F and 109°F.
- Western and Central New York (including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse): Heat indices in the upper 90s to low 100s.
- Southern Tier and Hudson Valley: Heat indices up to 104°F.
- Northeast Pennsylvania and Eastern NY counties: Dangerously high temperatures through at least Wednesday.
Nighttime will offer little relief, with lows remaining in the 70s, which raises the risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke—especially in vulnerable populations and areas without adequate cooling.
Statewide Power Outages and Structural Damage Reported
Sunday morning storms brought damaging winds and torrential rainfall to large portions of the state, knocking down trees and power lines. According to Governor Hochul’s office, more than 50,000 outages were reported, with many concentrated in the North Country, Central New York, and the Southern Tier.
In some communities, rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour led to rapid flooding, damaging homes and infrastructure. Additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected in some already-saturated areas, heightening the risk of flash flooding, particularly in Broome, Ulster, and Sullivan counties.
Governor Hochul: “Stay Weather Aware”
Governor Hochul urged residents to prioritize safety amid the dual threat of dangerous heat and storm recovery:
“Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life during last night’s storms, and my administration has been in touch with local elected officials offering support,” Hochul said. “I urge all New Yorkers to stay weather aware and take precautions as extreme heat and severe weather are expected to continue impacting the State over the next couple of days.”
At her direction, the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to enhanced monitoring. Response teams are coordinating with county leaders to provide generators, light towers, pumps, and other resources from New York’s nine regional stockpiles.
Extreme Heat: What Residents Need to Know
The ongoing heat wave poses a serious threat to public health. The National Weather Service advises residents to:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces if possible
- Avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours
- Check on neighbors, older people, and pets
Urban areas face increased risk due to the urban heat island effect, which traps heat in dense, paved environments. With overnight lows staying above 75°F, the body has little opportunity to recover from daytime heat exposure.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in the shade for those who must work outside. Early signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion.
Severe Weather Threat Continues Midweek
While the heat is expected to peak Monday, forecasters say it won’t break fully until later in the week. A cold front is expected to move through Tuesday night, bringing relief to some regions. However, the front could also trigger more severe thunderstorms, particularly in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Southern Tier regions.
Forecast models suggest localized flooding is possible due to high dewpoints, slow-moving storm cells, and already saturated soil. Rainfall totals could further strain utility repair efforts and road safety.
Counties Under State of Emergency
The emergency declaration covers a wide range of counties, including:
- Capital Region: Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady
- Central NY: Onondaga, Madison, Cortland
- Southern Tier: Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware
- Mid-Hudson Region: Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan
- NYC Metro Area: Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island
- North Country & Finger Lakes: Clinton, Essex, Oneida, Otsego
State fire response and swift water rescue teams are on standby to assist local agencies.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Residents can sign up for local weather and emergency alerts by texting their county name to 333111, or visit the FingerLakes1.com Weather Center for the latest local updates. The governor’s office also encourages residents to prepare emergency supply kits and plan for potential cooling center usage if power is lost or homes become unsafe.
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