State Of Emergency Declared In New York, Connecticut Ahead of Hurricane’s Arrival

A state of emergency has been declared in both New York and Connecticut ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Henri.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency Saturday in anticipation of Hurricane Henri making landfall on Long Island on Sunday.

Governor Cuomo today declared a State of Emergency for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Albany, Montgomery, Schenectady, Saratoga, and contiguous counties as Hurricane Henri threatens to make landfall in Long Island on Sunday.

The storm, which is expected to be near hurricane strength when it makes landfall, is forecast to affect coastal areas with dangerous storm surge, as well as heavy rainfall, dangerous surf conditions and widespread power outages. Inland locations, including Westchester County and Upstate areas, could also be affected with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Governor Cuomo is also requesting President Biden declare a pre-landfall emergency declaration. This federal declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance to New Yorkers, in the aftermath of Henri and its impacts. The declaration provides assistance for measures taken to save lives, protect property, and address public health and safety issues.

“New Yorkers are no strangers to the damage that is possible after dealing with a hurricane – we experienced it with Superstorm Sandy and Henri is set to be that level of storm,” Governor Cuomo said. “We were given less notice to prepare for Henri because of shifting models, and while there is still time for the storm to shift again, I encourage New Yorkers to take this seriously. Plan for power outages, stock up on necessary supplies and avoid flooding areas. The state is deploying resources and we will do everything we can to ensure damage is minimal and the people of this state stay safe.”

The Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency ensures resources which are assigned for State use only are provided to local governments to help protect citizens and infrastructure. It also suspends regulations which would impede a rapid and effective response during an emergency or disaster.

Governor Cuomo activated 500 National Guard troops for deployment to Long Island and the Hudson Valley region to help localities with storm response efforts, including 11 high axle trucks and 14 military Humvees.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has also declared a state of emergency in New York City.

He urged New Yorkers to prepare for the storm and stay indoors Sunday.

A flood advisory has been issued for New York City, with 1-2 inches of rain expected. Heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.

In response to #HurricaneHenri making landfall in Long Island tomorrow, I am declaring a State of Emergency in New York City.

Read more: https://t.co/sXgQUWnxsV

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 21, 2021

The New York State Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Sunday morning with staff from multiple State agencies coordinating emergency response activities throughout the duration of the weather event and its aftermath. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control also activated its Fire Operations Center to coordinate requests for assistance and deployment of fire service assets via the State Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan.

Governor Cuomo also urged outdoor enthusiasts in the lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island regions to use caution this weekend and strongly reconsider visiting state parks and beaches with the approach of Hurricane Henri.

OFPC and State agencies, including Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation are preparing to deploy water rescue teams to the Hudson Valley. New York Task Force-2, a water rescue capable Urban Search and Rescue team, is also being deployed to Long Island in advance of Hurricane Henri.

Safety Tips

If traveling during heavy rain, please drive with care and keep these safety tips in mind:

DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads.
Follow recommended routes. DO NOT ignore emergency detours to view flooded areas.
As you travel, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local radio broadcasts for the latest information.
Watch for washed-out roads, earth-slides, broken water or sewer mains, looseor downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.
Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.
Prepare for flooding and severe weather:

Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
Develop and practice a ‘family escape’ plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers
Plan what to do with your pets.
Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food and water
Non-electric can opener
Essential medicines
Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards
If experiencing a power outage:

Turn off or disconnect major appliances and other equipment, e.g., computers, in case of a momentary power surge that can damage these devices. Keep one light turned on so you know when power returns. Consider using surge protectors wherever you use electronic equipment.
Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. For a list of utilities in NYS visit the New York State Department of Public Service.
Use only flashlights for emergency lighting – candles pose the risk of fire.
Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed – most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat – they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
If you are in a tall building, take the stairs and move to the lowest level of the building. If trapped in an elevator, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to force the doors open. Remain patient – there is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety.
Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.
Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive during a blackout, remember to obey the 4-way stop rule at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines and elevators may not be working.
For more safety tips, visit the DHSES website here.