Massive Rainstorm Triggers Widespread Flooding Across New York Region

Heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday drenched eastern New York, closing roads, prompting rescues, and leading to emergency declarations. Albany recorded more than five inches on Wednesday, with a two-day total over six and a half inches; localized totals in the Hudson Valley approached eight to ten inches. Schodack saw nearly 12 inches, the storm’s highest amount. Streets such as Central Avenue, Manning Boulevard, Hackett Boulevard and Erie Boulevard flooded, submerging vehicles and forcing a city-hall closure in Rensselaer. In New York City, officials opened 51 safe overnight locations in schools across the five boroughs.

WRGB - Albany

Meteorologists said the storm’s slow movement allowed rain to linger, a pattern linked to a warming atmosphere that holds more moisture. Similar moisture pipelines have produced record-setting July events in recent years, raising flash-flood risk in urban settings.

CNN

• Albany International Airport: 6.7 inches of rain since Tuesday, the city’s largest two-day total on record.

CNN

• Schodack: ~12 inches, more than double typical July rainfall.

CNN

• Flight cancellations: CNN reported “more than 200 flights” canceled at LaGuardia, JFK and Newark; the New York Post listed 163 at JFK, 249 at LaGuardia and 134 at Newark.

New York Post

• Amtrak service between New York City and Albany suspended due to high water and debris.

CNN

• Road closures: nearly two dozen roads shut in Columbia County; multiple highways flooded in Pennsylvania’s Bradford Township.

CNN

• Rescues: State swift-water teams performed water rescues in eastern New York; a July 27 incident in Hawthorne, New Jersey required rescuing six drivers and an ambulance from a flooded train underpass.

CNN

The flooding halted commuter travel, grounded flights, and stranded vehicles in Guilderland, Chatham and other towns. A 100-year-old mill collapsed in Castleton-on-Hudson, which also issued a boil-water advisory. Local officials urged remote work where possible, and the Albany Department of Water & Water Supply advised residents to avoid non-essential travel.

WRGB - Albany

Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said the city’s operations center was monitoring flood sensors, clearing catch basins and pre-positioning assets to respond quickly. Albany officials recommended telework for employees in flooded zones.

ABC7 New York

Video from Guilderland showed a man carrying a child through waist-deep water while a car remained stuck. In Chatham, firefighters rescued a U.S. Postal Service carrier whose delivery vehicle was submerged. State rescue teams evacuated two adults and two children from homes in Coeymans, and a front-end loader freed a family in Putnam County.

CNN

Flight-cancellation figures differ: CNN cites “more than 200 flights” canceled across the New York City area, while the New York Post provides a breakdown of 163 at JFK, 249 at LaGuardia and 134 at Newark. Both agree cancellations were extensive, but precise totals remain unclear.

New York Post

• “We're always thinking about people that live in basement apartments,” — NYC Emergency Management Commissioner

ABC7 New York

• “And then, you know, quickly deploying resources right there," Farrell said.” — Christina Farrell, emergency management commissioner

ABC7 New York

• “Keeping New Yorkers safe begins before the storm arrives.” — Mayor Mamdani

WPIX 11

• “New York State will be experiencing a prolonged rain event beginning Tuesday that will bring heavy rains and cause flash flooding – New Yorkers should stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution,” — Governor Hochul

New York Post

Meteorologists expect lighter rain rates overnight and into Thursday, with a Level 1 of 4 flood-risk outlook extending from Boston to coastal Maine. Residual showers may linger, but the primary flood threat should subside by Friday. Authorities will continue to monitor water levels and keep shelters open until conditions improve.

CNN